Former India batter Suresh Raina hinted that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon MS Dhoni could feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for another season.
Despite massive retirement speculation following CSK's final home game of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Chepauk on May 18, Raina backed Dhoni to continue.
Dhoni is yet to play a match in the IPL 2026. The 44-year-old has been a regular at practice sessions throughout the season and was seen batting in the nets ahead of the SRH clash, but did not clear the fitness test yet again.
Following CSK’s five-wicket loss to SRH, Raina reunited with Dhoni during the team’s lap of honour, where the players thanked fans for their support throughout the season.
Speaking to Star Sports, Raina opened up on his interaction with Dhoni, who acknowledged his ongoing struggles with fitness but did not completely rule out the possibility of returning for another IPL season.
“I told him ‘you have given IPL 2026 a missed call. It won’t count. You have to come back next year’. He said ‘nahi yaar, body thoda waisa hai (my body is a little weak)’. I said ‘we are not believing anything. You have to play next year’. It’s his personal call. I think he is positive. The team is also gelling well again,” Raina said.
“Fans also want you to come. He said ‘let me see’. If he says let me see, there’s a chance he will work hard, and play again,” Raina added.
While Dhoni failed to make a single appearance at the MA Chidambaram Stadium this season, he treated the crowd to a couple of memorable appearances.
During the innings break, the veteran campaigner stepped out to the field for a team photoshoot, which led to the fans erupting with joy. Later in the evening, he took a lap of honour around the iconic venue, waving to the Yellow Army and taking selfies with photographers, ground staff and others.
After losing to SRH, 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 Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on May 21 or in the playoffs, should they qualify.
