The IPL 2025 season is over, but one big question is still on every cricket fan’s mind: Will MS Dhoni play in IPL 2026, or is he going to retire? Right now, no one knows for sure and he also don’t know at this moment it depend upon the situations
So far, Dhoni hasn’t announced his retirement. But he also hasn’t confirmed if he’ll play next season. It all depends on one big thing: his health. Dhoni is now 44 years old, and said he has 4 to 5 months to decide. He wants to see how his body feels, and whether he can still give his best on the field. He’ll also think about what the team needs and what the fans want.
In this blog, we’ll share the latest updates about Dhoni’s future. You’ll find out what he said, what experts are predicting.
Will MS Dhoni Play in IPL 2026?
As of now there’s no confirmed answer but there are some important clues,upon these we can answer this Question. MS Dhoni has not officially retired yet. In fact, he has mentioned that he will take 4 to 5 months to make a decision about his future. During this time, he plans to work on his fitness and assess whether his body is ready to handle the demands of the upcoming IPL 2026 season. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has also not made any official announcement regarding his role for next year. Ultimately, Dhoni’s return will depend on his physical condition and whether he feels he can continue to perform at the highest level.
So the honest answer is (He might). And if he does return, fans across the world will once again celebrate every moment he steps onto the field.
Will MS Dhoni Retire Before IPL 2026? Here’s What He Said
In a heartfelt post-match interview, MS Dhoni addressed the growing curiosity around his retirement, saying, “I know I’m in the last phase of my career. After this IPL, I need to work hard for 6 to 8 months to see if my body can handle the pressure.” This clearly shows that while he hasn’t made a final decision about IPL 2026, he’s seriously considering his fitness and physical readiness before committing. Dhoni continues to play a vital role in his team’s success, not just with his performance, but through his leadership and mentorship.
What Cricket Experts Say About Dhoni Retirement
Cricketers and experts have shared their thoughts on Dhoni’s future, and most agree on one but only Dhoni can decide when it’s time to stop.
Former teammate Robin Uthappa said:
“He still wants to play. The fire is still there. It depends on his body. If he feels good, he’ll be back.”
Head coach Stephen Fleming added:
“He’s still going strong. I don’t even ask him about retirement anymore.”
This shows the faith and respect of Dhoni’s command. His decision will not just be about performance, it’ll be about whether he feels he can give 100% again next year.
Why Do People Think Dhoni Is Retiring?
Every year fans ask the same question: Is Dhoni retiring this season? And honestly, it makes sense. He’s in his 40s, and has already retired from international cricket. These are good reasons to think he might stop playing but Dhoni doesn’t follow what people expect. Just like his playing style, he does things his own way. He usually stays quiet, which adds to the rumors, but this time he spoke up and made it clear: he’s not done yet.
After last season, Dhoni had knee surgery, and many people thought he wouldn’t come back. But he surprised everyone. He took some time off to heal, focused on his fitness, and came back looking stronger and healthier. Reports from practice sessions show him running, batting, and keeping wickets just like he used to full of energy and focus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Will MS Dhoni play IPL 2026?
A: Dhoni has not confirmed yet. He said he’ll decide in the next 4–5 months based on his fitness.
Q: Is Dhoni retired from the IPL?
A: No, MS Dhoni has not officially retired from the IPL.
Q: Who will captain CSK if Dhoni retires?
A: Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to take over as the next CSK captain.
Q: When will Dhoni announce his decision?
A: Most likely before the IPL 2026 mini-auction, which usually happens by the end of the year.
Final Words: It’s Not Over Until He Says It Is
In cricket, many players break records. Some build a legacy. But only a few touch hearts and Dhoni is one of them. When he said, “I’m not done,” it wasn’t just about playing another season. It was a message that true passion doesn’t fade with age. Real legends never truly retire. With five IPL titles, unforgettable moments, and unmatched leadership, Dhoni has already done more than most cricketers could ever dream of. His calm nature, sharp thinking, and pure love for the game have made him a true icon. As fans, we just hope to see him one more time hitting one more six, playing one more game, and hearing the crowd shout “Thala!” as he walks out in yellow.
For now, all we can do is wait and support whatever he decides. Whether it’s a grand return or a heartfelt goodbye the love, respect, and legacy of Dhoni will always stay strong.
Also Read: Who Is the 2nd God of Cricket?
