While MS Dhoni has not officially confirmed his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), his future has been the subject of heavy speculation.
The 44-year-old missed the entire IPL 2026 for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) due to a calf injury. CSK were officially eliminated from the playoff contention on Thursday (May 21), following a crushing 89-run defeat to Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Speaking after the game, CSK bowling coach Eric Simons confirmed that the final decision regarding Dhoni's IPL return rests entirely with the veteran himself.
Simons noted the legendary wicketkeeper’s power-hitting remains as sharp as ever and that his absence in main games was due to the difficulty he faces while running with the injury.
“Are you seriously asking me that question? We always are,” Simons said in the post-match presser when asked whether CSK were hopeful of Dhoni’s return next year.
“He has hit the ball so well. He obviously had a leg injury, which made it very difficult for him to run, so that’s why he couldn’t play. But in terms of hitting the ball in the nets, he’s hitting it as well as I’ve ever seen him hit it,” the bowling coach added.
Simons emphasized that Dhoni will always make decisions in the best interest of the team rather than for personal glory.
“And I tell you what, if he knows he’s not, he won’t play. But if he is right, he will,” Simons stated. “He’ll make the decision in the best interest of the team and not for himself as an individual.”
Despite his unavailability on the field, Simons insisted that having Dhoni in the dugout and mentoring the squad has been invaluable for the franchise during their transition phase.
“But it will be great to have him playing. It’s been great just having him around the unit and being someone to tap into for knowledge and calmness,” he remarked.
Following the match, CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad acknowledged that Dhoni's absence was a major setback for the team, highlighting his ability to shift momentum in pressure situations and instill fear in the opposition during the death overs.
"(will we see MS Dhoni next season?) Obviously, you will get to know it next year itself. Even I'll get to know it next year itself. Obviously, it's a hard, hard miss for us, definitely. He's someone who can have a fear of the opposition, especially coming in those late overs. Can really change the game, can really change the momentum just by staying at the crease. So, he's someone; definitely, we missed a lot this season,” Gaikwad said at the post-match presentation.
