MS Dhoni, the CSK wicketkeeper-batter, is likely to play his last IPL season in 2026. Retirement rumors have been floating around but Dhoni has told those close to him that he’s planning to extend his career into IPL 2026.
At 44, this Indian legend is redefining how long a cricketer can play. For the past few years there have been retirement talks and he kept everyone guessing even during the recent IPL season. He’s always said his fitness will decide his future in IPL. Now those close to Dhoni say he’s not ready to retire as long as his body can keep up but IPL 2026 might be his last season as a player.
Telecom Asia Sport reports that Dhoni has started preparing for his farewell in 2026. Sources say fans can expect a very emotional goodbye during IPL 2026.
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Since the league began in 2008, Dhoni has been the face of Chennai Super Kings. With 5 IPL titles and many memorable finishes he’s built a huge fan base that worships him. Now he’s getting ready physically and mentally for his last season.
The report also mentions that Dhoni has been training hard, following a strict routine of gym workouts, skill practice and recovery. Even after retiring from international cricket in 2020 he hasn’t slowed down.
Dhoni has said he’ll keep playing as long as his body allows. While there’s no official confirmation, sources believe IPL 2026 will almost certainly be his last. If this is true then every moment of his next season will be emotional for his fans.
He scored 196 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of 135.17 in IPL 2025, mainly batting at 7 or 8 for CSK. He also led the team in the middle of the season when Ruturaj Gaikwad was injured.
In other news, former CSK batsman Anirudhha Srikkanth recently recalled how Dhoni’s decisions tested the young off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. On Ashwin’s debut in Cape Town against Mumbai Indians, Dhoni chose to rotate Manpreet Gony, Thilan Thushara, Andrew Flintoff, Jacob Oram and Joginder Sharma leaving Ashwin on the bench. Even after the loss, Dhoni kept Ashwin on the bench for the next 13 matches of his first season.
In 2010, Dhoni’s decisions limited Ashwin to just 2 matches in the first 7 games of the season when CSK was going through a tough time. But Dhoni changed his mind after Ashwin took 4 wickets and Ashwin became one of the biggest IPL success stories.
