CSK coach Stephen Fleming gave a cryptic response on the veteran’s availability next season, while fans await clarity on whether Dhoni will return or retire.
Chennai Super Kings' captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and teammates MS Dhoni, Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube pose for a team photograph at the innings break during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday, May 18, 2026. (Photo: IANS/Kushal Doshi)
Chennai Super Kings’ defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in their latest IPL 2026 encounter was overshadowed by intense speculation around MS Dhoni’s future, with much of the attention once again centred on whether the CSK icon would be making a farewell appearance.
Ahead of the match, there was growing buzz that Dhoni might announce his retirement, especially with CSK playing their final home game at Chepauk and recalling his earlier indication years ago that he would like to play his last match in Chennai.
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With his recurring injury concerns keeping him out for much of the season, many fans believed this could be an emotional final outing at home.
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However, Dhoni did not take the field, as he continues to recover from a calf injury sustained earlier in the season. His absence once again sparked widespread discussion about whether he will return next year or has already played his final game in Chennai colours.
The special bond between #CSK and the home fans celebrated with a lap of honour 💛#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #CSKvSRH | @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/yIHpoaIG4r
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 18, 2026
After the match, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming offered a cryptic response when asked about Dhoni’s availability for the next season, saying it remains a decision for the franchise management rather than the coaching staff.
“It’s a choice for the management. I know there has been a lot of talk about it. MS has been around a lot this year, which is very important for the team, for young players in continuity, so he’s been a big part. He hasn’t played, but he’s still had a big influence on the team,” Fleming said.
He also highlighted CSK’s focus on building for the future despite the results.
“There’s a lot of good things we’ve done. We’ve introduced some new players that will hopefully be generation players for CSK. But I know we are judged on results, that’s fair. So yeah, that’s a management call, not mine,” he added.
Dhoni’s continued absence from competitive cricket this season has fuelled speculation that he may be transitioning away from playing duties, although CSK officials have consistently maintained that he has been sidelined due to injury. Some reports also suggested he could still feature later in the season, but that did not materialise.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar also weighed in ahead of the fixture, suggesting that it would not be ideal for CSK to risk a player who has not featured throughout the season, particularly in a crucial match situation.
Also Read: Will MS Dhoni retire tonight at Chepauk? Gavaskar doubts CSK icon will ‘risk it’
As speculation continues around Dhoni’s future, uncertainty remains over whether the CSK legend will return for another season or whether this chapter is nearing its conclusion.
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