MS Dhoni’s IPL Future Leaked By Suresh Raina

Just as the new season for the Indian Premier League (IPL) is ending, speculations have started to grow about MS Dhoni’s potential retirement. The franchise is already out of the 2025 season with just two wins in nine group-stage encounters, to be at the bottom of the points table with a negative net run rate.

MS Dhoni decided to extend his career in the league for two more seasons, despite claiming the title in 2023. But his batting performance has gone down terribly. He delivered the leadership to Ruturaj Gaikwad at the start of the 2024 season.

MS Dhoni returned to lead CSK in Ruturaj Gaikwad’s absence

With Ruturaj Gaikwad taking a blow on his elbow during the clash between CSK and the Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, the opening batter gets ruled out of the tournament. In his absence, Dhoni returned to lead the side.

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He is the joint-most successful captain in the history of the league, leading the side to five titles. The Ranchi-born also holds the record of most appearances in the league, having featured in 273 games.

MS Dhoni came to the headlines for declining reasons. The wicket-keeper batter has been going through tough times in the previous couple of seasons. Most of the time, the management has dropped him down to nine in the batting department despite Chennai being at the receiving end in the first or second innings.

Last year, he smashed 161 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 220, with the best score of an unbeaten 37 runs. On the other hand, the veteran clubbed 140 runs in nine innings at an average of 28 and a strike rate of 142.85, scoring the best score of unbeaten 30 runs.

Suresh Raina reveals MS Dhoni’s future in the IPL

Among all the growing speculations on the future of the former Indian captain, Suresh Raina has provided a major update. He put an end to the rumors by confirming that the 43-year-old would continue to play for another edition.

“MS Dhoni will play one more IPL season,”- The former Indian middle-order batter revealed, as quoted by a user on X (formerly known as Twitter).

At the start of the month, the CSK head coach, Stephen Fleming, was asked the same question. The former New Zealand captain admitted that he had no idea of the plans. He revealed his enjoyment of working with the former captain and would hardly bother nowadays to ask Dhoni about his plans.

“I have no idea, and I am just enjoying working with him. He is still going strong. I don't even ask [about his future] this day.” The CSK head coach explained.

CSK starts planning for IPL 2026

Just after their defeat against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, MS Dhoni accepted that they didn’t have the required spark anyone in the season to qualify for the playoffs. He also noted that they would try to look at a few young players as an option for the upcoming 2026 season.

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Their elimination was approved when Chennai faced their home defeat against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). That was their fourth defeat in five encounters this year, putting it in the joint-most category.

Most of the veteran batters looked off-color. Their next game will also be at home against the Punjab Kings on April 30. They hope to use the young batters, Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis, more in the last few games and plan around them for the future edition.