MS Dhoni to part ways with CSK? Legendary captain drops bombshell

Even as fans eagerly wait for clarity on MS Dhoni’s future in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon has once again shown that his bond with the franchise goes beyond the game. Speaking at a private event in Chennai, MS Dhoni made it clear that whether or not he continues on the field, his association with CSK is lifelong.

The 44-year-old legend has been the face of Chennai Super Kings since the inaugural season of the IPL back in 2008. Dhoni led CSK to five IPL titles and two Champions League trophies. He is not just a player for the franchise but the heart of the team and a symbol of its identity.

MS Dhoni hints at long-term CSK role beyond playing days

Well, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter has once again won hearts by confirming his strong bond with Chennai Super Kings. Dhoni has declared that he would always remain part of the CSK family, possibly in a non-playing or mentoring role in the IPL.

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MS Dhoni said at the event in Chennai, “I have always said that there is a lot of time for me to decide, but if you are asking about coming back in a yellow jersey, we will always be in a yellow jersey, but whether I am playing or not is a different matter. Me and CSK, we are together. You know, even for the next 15-20 years.”

I will always be sitting in Yellow Jersey - Thala 💛 #MSDhoni #WhistlePodu #CSK pic.twitter.com/k9Jlbtajc2

— WhistlePodu Army ® - CSK Fan Club (@CSKFansOfficial) August 6, 2025

Chennai Super Kings' struggles in IPL

The Men in Yellow have been struggling in the IPL for the past couple of seasons. Ahead of the 2024 season, Dhoni had passed the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, which was seen as a signal of his gradual exit from the IPL. Under the new captain, they failed to make it to the playoffs.

Then, in IPL 2025, an unfortunate elbow injury to Gaikwad mid-season saw Dhoni return as captain. Despite Dhoni’s captaincy, CSK managed only 4 wins in 14 matches, ending the season at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table.

There were speculations that IPL 2024 would be Dhoni’s final season, especially after his knee surgery, but he surprised everyone by recovering well and returning in 2025. Although the former Indian captain has not confirmed whether he will play in IPL 2026, he has already shown full support for Gaikwad’s return as captain.

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MS Dhoni’s numbers drop, but his magic stays untouched

In the past few seasons, Dhoni has played a very small part with the bat. Yet, the legendary cricketer continues to receive unwavering support from CSK fans, who chant his name every time he steps onto the field.

His presence alone lifts the morale of the team and creates a buzz in the stadium. He has not crossed the 200-run mark in the last three seasons in yellow. Dhoni scored 104, 161, and 196 runs in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons, respectively, while batting at the lower order for CSK.