MS Dhoni refused to confirm his plans to return for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season and hinted at imminent retirement ahead of Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) IPL 2025 clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Wednesday (April 30) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Dhoni lost the toss, and after Shreyas Iyer revealed he would bowl first, the CSK skipper was greeted with a loud ovation. On hearing the Chepauk crowd serenade the Indian cricket legend, Danny Morrison asked Dhoni if this means he will return next season.

'I don't know if I wil play the next game," replied Dhoni with a laugh.

While Dhoni is evidently dealing with a knee issue, it is unlikely that he will take a call to quit mid-season, and the remarks were in gest. However, it is worth noting that a defeat tonight will mean that CSK will be mathematically ruled out of the playoffs race.

Dhoni's future continues to remain a suspense after being a source of speculation since his international retirement ahead of the 2020 season. There have been talks over the last five campaigns being Dhoni's last, but the CSK legend has denied any such plans till now, which made his comments to Morrison different from previous seasons.

At the age of 43, Dhoni is the third-oldest player to play in the IPL. He is one of four cricketers, alongside Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Manish Pandey to feature in all 18 seasons.

Dhoni has been associated with CSK since their inception in 2008 and led them to five IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023). He is the IPL's joint-most successful captain alongside Rohit Sharma.

While Dhoni handed the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the 2024 campaign, the star batter was ruled out of the tournament due to an elbow fracture leading to Dhoni returning to the helm of affairs.

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