Retired Team Australia skipper Michael Clarke believes Indian veteran wicketkeeper MS Dhoni will play at IPL 2026. The ex-Aussie Test captain says aging star players like Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma will still contribute at the highest level to franchise cricket next season:
“I think MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will play in next year’s IPL. MS Dhoni is massive. Every time Chennai plays, even in away games, there are more Chennai fans than any other fan. Sponsors, they are there because of MS Dhoni. The fans, they are there because of MS Dhoni,” he said during a recent interview.
“Dhoni is CSK, and CSK is Dhoni” – Atul Wassan
Former Team India cricket believes that MS Dhoni must stick around at CSK in 2026 if the franchise stands any chance to secure next season’s title:
“Dhoni is CSK, and CSK is Dhoni. CSK could have been doing good or not alongside Dhoni, but he is still recovering money for the franchise. Dhoni knows that his best days are gone, but he is still playing and facing the criticism. It shows how much attached he is to the franchise. Otherwise, why would someone who has achieved everything put himself in this situation? And I believe he would be up next year as well, despite not being at his 100 percent,” Wassan said.
Reasons Why MS Dhoni May Choose to Retire After IPL 2025
Poor form
The Super Kings had to endure their worst-ever finish in an IPL season this time around. Finishing last in the IPL 2025 rankings was not on the pre-season bingo cards of analysts and fans. However, CSK succumbed to a long list of defeats that saw their hopes of playoffs qualification end well before their last five matches.
The franchise may decide to revamp their squad with fresh faces – a move that could see over 40-year-old players like Dhoni leave the franchise. Fans demand a change of CSK’s fortunes ahead of next season, and some loyal stars may walk through the exit before anything meaningful can happen.
Horrible team performance
There must be someone or several people to blame for CSK’s poor outing at IPL 2025. Dhoni may be an easy target for criticism ahead of plans to challenge for a sixth IPL title in 2026. His exit from the franchise and IPL cricket will not be a surprise to most fans and sports analysts.
Age and potential reduced role
Dhoni will be closer to 45 years old when IPL 2026 officially begins. No cricketer has managed to stay at the top level well into his 40s like Dhoni has; however, it may be time to let it go.
“What is important to see is how much hunger you have, what kind of fitness you have, and how much you can contribute to the team, and whether the team needs you or not. So, I have enough time,” Dhoni said during a recent interview.
The star wicketkeeper has not been entirely saddled with active roles for at least 2 seasons. He and the franchise may consider this angle to inform his exit from CSK before IPL 2026.
Rebuilding efforts at CSK
CSK may take several cues from the Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) approach to rebuilding ahead of IPL 2025. The Punjab-based franchise finished rock bottom at IPL 2024 and went on a squad clear-out immediately after. PBKS only left three players under contract before auction and let their entire coaching staff go after their horror performance.
The franchise sought a clear plan to rebuild their squad for immediate results ahead of IPL 2025, and it worked like a charm. Bringing on an experienced coaching staff led by Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting added further strength to their decisions at auction. PBKS went from rock bottom at IPL 2024 to finalists in the next season.
CSK could adopt such an approach to rebuild their entire lineup before IPL 2026. A mass clear-out will almost certainly see Dhoni leave the team.
Reasons Why MS Dhoni May Feature in IPL 2026
Attempts at redemption
MS Dhoni once told reporters that he aims to win the IPL title in his final season at CSK. It was not possible this year and may trigger Dhoni to feature for at least one more season in the IPL. Dhoni will be one of the oldest players to feature in an IPL game if he continues in 2026. However, if there’s any cricketer who can pull off massive contributions at any age, it’s Dhoni.
For invaluable team support
Dhoni’s contributions to CSK’s success behind the scenes could be more valuable than his on-pitch input right now. The veteran brings decades of experience in professional cricket to CSK’s ranks. The franchise may choose to extend his contract for another season to avoid losing his immense knowledge to another team.
