Will MS Dhoni return to CSK next year? CSK CEO makes Huge Admission after IPL 2026 Absence

MS Dhoni remained unavailable for the entire IPL 2026 season due to a combination of injuries, including calf and hamstring issues early in the campaign and a thumb injury later. It marked the first time in 19 seasons that the former India captain did not feature in a single match for Chennai Super Kings.

The absence was particularly felt ahead of CSK’s final home game of the season on May 18, which had generated significant anticipation among fans as a potential farewell at the MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk). Dhoni had previously indicated he would end his IPL career in Chennai. However, he missed that fixture as well as the subsequent away game against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.

Despite the no-show, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan expressed confidence about Dhoni’s return.

“My understanding is that he will come back next season. We have not spoken to him about this, but we hope he will come back. We also hope he keeps his promise to the CSK fans that he will play his last IPL game in Chennai," he said.

Dhoni, who turns 45 in July, stayed involved with the franchise off the field but consciously stayed away from on-field decision-making, leaving matters to captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and head coach Stephen Fleming. He was reported to be pleased with the team’s progress without him, particularly the finishing contributions from Jamie Overton.

The CSK management is yet to take a call on the future of long-serving coach Stephen Fleming. No approach has been made so far to Rahul Dravid, whose name has been linked with the role. Any decision on the coaching position is expected to involve Dhoni’s views, given his continued influence in the setup.

The franchise is scheduled to review its cricketing matters after the season. While Dhoni’s playing future remains uncertain amid the physical demands of the IPL, his association with CSK, whether as a player, mentor or in another capacity, is widely expected to continue.