MS Dhoni missed the entire IPL 2026 season due to injury. It was the first time in 19 years that he did not play a single game. Calf and hamstring issues kept him out initially, and a thumb injury later ruled him out completely.
The CSK franchise believes Dhoni will return next season. CEO Kasi Viswanathan said their understanding is that he will come back. They have not spoken to him about it but hope he keeps his promise to fans to play his last IPL game in Chennai.
CSK’s final home game was originally scheduled against Gujarat Titans on May 21. But the BCCI swapped the venues because of local elections in Ahmedabad. The change upset some calculations, as did Dhoni’s thumb injury.
Dhoni had largely left decision-making to skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and coach Stephen Fleming. He did not interfere and told some people the side was doing well without him. He was pleased that Jamie Overton was performing the finishing role he would likely have played.
Chennai Super Kings has not taken a decision on coach Stephen Fleming’s future. No approach has been made to Rahul Dravid. There is a perception that Fleming should take the conscience call himself. The team has not reached the playoff phase for the last three seasons.
His IPL remuneration was around USD 700,000 per season. He also coaches Texas Super Kings in MLC and Joburg Super Kings in SA20. He earns close to USD 1 million from the CSK management. The MLC begins on June 18, so a decision on his future is unlikely soon.
Before taking any decision, the CSK management will almost certainly consult Dhoni. He will remain an integral part of the setup whether or not he continues to play. He is likely to have a major say in any decision concerning Fleming.
Will MS Dhoni Return for IPL 2027? CSK Still Unsure
MS Dhoni missed the entire IPL 2026 season. He did not play a single match. His future in the IPL remains uncertain. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was asked if Dhoni would be back next year. He said even the dressing room does not know.
Gaikwad said people will find out next year. He himself will find out next year. He said Dhoni was definitely missed. Dhoni can create fear in the opposition, especially in the late overs. He can change the game just by staying at the crease. But the team does not know about next season.
Dhoni was ruled out for the first two weeks due to a calf injury. He never returned as the season went on. He did not travel with the team to Ahmedabad for the final match.
CSK finished the season with six wins and eight losses. They had 12 points and a net run rate of -0.345. They were eliminated from playoff contention. Gaikwad admitted the team is in a transition phase with many young players. He said injuries to key players like Jamie Overton unsettled the lineup.
GT posted 229 for 4, powered by a 125-run opening partnership. CSK were bowled out for 140 in reply. Gaikwad said GT outplayed them in all departments.
Gaikwad said the team gained valuable experience this season. They now know where they need to improve. But the big question about Dhoni’s return remains unanswered.
Kris Srikkanth Urges CSK to Pick Michael Hussey as Head Coach Replacement for Stephen Fleming
Stephen Fleming has left Chennai Super Kings to take over as England’s red-ball coach. The search for his replacement has begun. Reports suggest Eoin Morgan and Brendon McCullum are being considered.
Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has urged CSK to consider Michael Hussey. He called Hussey “Mr. Cricket” and said he should be the automatic choice. He said CSK does not need anyone from outside when they already have Hussey.
Srikkanth also said CSK needs to fix MS Dhoni’s role in the side. Dhoni has not played since 2025. He missed the entire IPL 2026 season due to injury. Srikkanth said that arrangement has to be fixed first. Only then will everything else fall into place.
Srikkanth said he would not go for Eoin Morgan. He said Morgan was a good player and captain for England. But as a coach, he would not accept him as an option. He said it would be best if Morgan stuck to commentary.
Ravichandran Ashwin earlier hinted that Morgan could take over. He said Morgan’s name is doing the rounds strongly. He mentioned two scenarios. Either Morgan takes it this year or someone else builds the team in the mini auction and Morgan takes it later.
Fleming spent 17 years with CSK as head coach. The side won five IPL titles under him. They also won two Champions League Twenty20 titles. They entered the play-offs 12 times and made ten IPL finals.
FAQs
Q. Will MS Dhoni play IPL 2027?
A. CSK expects Dhoni to return, but nothing is confirmed.
Q. Does CSK know if Dhoni will return?
A. No. Even Ruturaj Gaikwad said the team does not know.
Q. What does CSK want from Dhoni?
A. CSK hopes he fulfills his promise to play in Chennai.
Q. Who could replace Stephen Fleming at CSK?
A. Michael Hussey, Eoin Morgan, and Brendon McCullum are options.
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