Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has hinted that he could decide on his IPL future before December. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter, who missed the entire 2026 season due to a calf injury and other fitness concerns, will assess his physical condition before deciding whether to play another season.
Dhoni was retained by CSK for IPL 2026 but did not feature in a single match. His role in the batting lineup has also reduced in recent seasons, with the veteran mostly appearing in the slog overs to deliver quick runs. In IPL 2025, Dhoni scored 196 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17.
MS Dhoni Awaits Fitness Report Before Deciding on IPL Future
Speaking at a healthcare event in Bengaluru, MS Dhoni said he would undergo medical tests before deciding whether he could play another IPL season. The five-time IPL-winning captain wants to assess his fitness before making a final decision ahead of December.
"Doc, I will have to go through the test. You will have to give me the report, and then before December, I will have to see, you know, how strong I am to maybe play one more season," MS Dhoni said.
"And if I am not, then, you know, you will have to make sure that you do everything right with me and make sure that this old vintage vehicle is running well on the road. So all the pressure is on them," he added.
#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka | On his IPL future, Former Indian Cricket Team Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni says, "I'll have to go through the tests. You'll have to give me the report, and before December, I'll need to assess how strong I am and whether I can play one more season. If I'm not fit enough, then you'll have to make sure you do everything right to get this old vintage vehicle running smoothly on the road..." (24.10)
— ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2026
CSK Struggle Under Ruturaj Gaikwad After MS Dhoni's Captaincy
Chennai Super Kings have struggled to reproduce their past success since Ruturaj Gaikwad took over as captain in 2024. The franchise finished last in IPL 2025 before securing eighth place in the 2026 season, winning six matches and losing eight to miss the playoffs.
CSK last won the IPL title in 2023, when MS Dhoni was leading the side. He guided the franchise to five championships, winning their first title in 2010 before defending it in 2011. The team returned from its two-year suspension to lift the trophy in 2018 and added further titles in 2021 and 2023.
MS Dhoni also led CSK to Champions League T20 titles in 2010 and 2014. His record established him as one of the most successful leaders in franchise cricket. He has scored 5,314 runs in 238 innings for CSK at an average of 38.23 and a strike rate of 139.29, with 23 half-centuries.
Zaheer Khan Replaces Stephen Fleming as CSK Head Coach
CSK have appointed former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their new head coach after Stephen Fleming stepped down following the 2026 season. Fleming had been associated with the franchise as head coach since 2009 and played a major role in shaping its successful structure.
Under Fleming, Chennai won five IPL titles and built a reputation for consistency and strong team management. His departure marks the end of a long coaching tenure, with the franchise looking to rebuild after consecutive seasons outside the playoffs.
Zaheer brings considerable playing and management experience to the role. The 2011 ODI World Cup winner featured in 100 IPL matches for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals, taking 102 wickets at an economy rate of 7.59.
He joined Mumbai Indians as Director of Cricket Operations ahead of the 2019 season and later worked on the franchise's global development programme. He also served as a mentor for Lucknow Super Giants during IPL 2025 before his association with the team ended ahead of the following season.
