Not a single appearance in IPL 2026, and yet, it seems either CSK is dragging Dhoni or the former CSK captain is himself not willing to retire
Apart from
cricket action on the field, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed several subplots off the field, including developments within the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp involving Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Since the beginning of this season, there has been a rumour regarding Dhoni’s retirement from the tournament. However, while the announcement for retirement has not come from his end, CSK’s histrionics aren’t up to everybody’s taste.
End on a high
CSK had the perfect opportunity to give Dhoni a farewell in 2023 when he lifted the IPL trophy, bringing his IPL career to an end on a high. However, CSK and Dhoni himself took the opportunity to stay, even though Dhoni’s hitting abilities and injuries no longer allow him to perform his duties as a finisher.
Grooming of Gaikwad
In 2024 and 2025, CSK kept Dhoni in the team, stating that his presence was needed to groom Ruturaj Gaikwad as the team’s future long-term captain. However, despite Dhoni’s presence, the team under Gaikwad finished fifth in 2024, followed by a last-place finish in 2025. This season, the team is struggling and is unlikely to qualify for the playoffs.
A real struggle for Ruturaj Gaikwad tonight. 15 off 21 balls with no boundaries - all of his runs came in singles 😬#CSKvSRH #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/Ipv8AlDqjR
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 18, 2026
If the team reaches the playoffs, it will be without Dhoni, as he did not play a single match this season. So, the question is, whether Gaikwad & co reach the playoffs or not, what is the contribution and role of Dhoni this season?
Toying with fans’ emotions
A majority of CSK fans who have been with the team since 2008 are definitely unhappy with how the management is handling Dhoni’s involvement in the team. If he is to retire this season, wouldn’t it have been better to give him a fitting farewell at the Chepauk after the game versus Sunrisers Hyderabad? After all, it was CSK’s last game of the season in front of the home fans.
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
Many fans wonder if Dhoni is on the team to draw fans to the stadium and keep them engaged. A team photo was taken, and Dhoni completed a lap of honour, but fans were left pondering if this was Dhoni’s last appearance at the Chepauk as a CSK player.
Mentorship for Sanju
Completely 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙙 by that sheer speed! 🥶
A wicketkeeping masterclass from Sanju Samson 🔥
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/4SxAzYKEvY#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #CSKvSRH | @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/1npyOFgFh1— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 18, 2026
Rumours on the internet also suggest that Sanju Samson could be up for CSK’s captaincy next season, and in case that happens, will the management keep Dhoni in the team for the next season in the name of mentoring Samson?
Overall, the CSK management could’ve handled Dhoni’s case much better, ensuring the legendary CSK player received a fitting farewell, which did not happen during his international career.
