IPL 2026: “Never seen fans go as crazy for anyone,” Mark Boucher pays rich tribute to MS Dhoni amid retirement rumours

Speculations are rife that Dhoni has already played his last IPL match.

While MS Dhoni has not officially confirmed his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), his future has been the subject of heavy speculation. Fans and experts are closely monitoring whether the legendary wicketkeeper will return for another year or if the season marked the end of his playing days.

Notably, Dhoni has missed all 13 of CSK’s IPL 2026 matches so far due to injuries. Initially ruled out for two weeks, his recovery hit an obstacle after he re-tweaked calf muscle during a warm-up session. The 44-year-old then reportedly hurt his thumb, forcing him to miss the last game against SRH at Chepauk on Monday (May 18).

After losing to SRH by five wickets, CSK’s playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. With 12 points from 13 matches, the five-time champions sit in sixth place and no longer control their own fate. 

It remains to be seen whether Dhoni will be making any appearance at all – either in CSK’s final league game against GT in Ahmedabad on May 21 or in the playoffs, should they qualify.

Amid the dilemma, former South African cricketer Mark Boucher paid an emotional tribute to MS Dhoni, hailing him as a global icon who changed the sport forever.

Boucher highlighted the unique atmosphere at Chepauk as a must-see experience to understand Dhoni's immense popularity, describing the fan frenzy as unmatched.

“I've been at Chepauk a few times, and I've never seen fans go as crazy for anyone as they do for MS Dhoni,” Boucher said on Star Sports.

“It's something I speak about even in South Africa. Whenever people say they want to experience the IPL, I always tell them they have to go to Chepauk to watch Dhoni, because that's when you truly understand how massive he is in this country.”

“He has been an absolute legend of the game, not just in India but across the world. What he has done for cricket is astronomical.”

Addressing retirement speculation, Boucher remarked that when Dhoni eventually steps away, it will be a "huge loss for the game," and expressed hope for his continued involvement in cricket.

“Whenever he eventually decides to move on, it will be a huge loss for the game. Hopefully, he continues to remain involved in cricket in some capacity, whether as a director of cricket for CSK or in another role,” Boucher stated.

“He has an incredible cricket brain and an outstanding character. He will forever be remembered among the greats of the game. And from the rest of the cricketing world, thank you for everything you've done for the sport. You've been an absolute superstar."