'Nahi Yaar...': MS Dhoni's Reply To Suresh Raina's IPL 2027 Request Sparks Retirement Buzz

Is MS Dhoni not interested in continuing as a player next IPL season?

If Suresh Raina is to be believed, it appears we may have already seen the last of Dhoni the player on a cricket field. The legendary captain has been struggling with fitness issues during the ongoing IPL and is yet to play a single match for Chennai Super Kings this season.

At the start of the tournament, reports suggested that the wicketkeeper-batter would miss the initial few games due to a calf strain suffered during a training camp. He later reportedly sustained a thumb injury as well, which ruled him out of CSK’s last home game of IPL 2026.

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However, on Monday, when CSK hosted Sunrisers Hyderabad at Chepauk, Dhoni was

present at the venue to the delight of fans. After the match, he also took a lap around the stadium.

Former CSK teammate Suresh Raina revealed on Star Sports that he had urged the five-time IPL-winning captain to return next season. However, the 44-year-old stopped short of making any commitment, admitting that his body no longer feels at its best.

“I told him ‘You have given IPL 2026 a missed call. It won’t count. You have to come back next year’. He said ‘nahi yaar, body thoda waisa hai (my body is a little weak)’. I said ‘we are not believing anything. You have to play next year’. It’s his personal call. I think, he is positive. The team is also gelling well again,” Raina said.

Dhoni Leaves Door Open

While age may have started taking its toll on Dhoni, the former captain hasn’t completely ruled out turning out for the franchise again.

“Fans also want you (Dhoni) to come. He said, ‘let me see’. If he says let me see, there’s a chance he will work hard, and play again,” Raina said.