MS Dhoni fans want him to continue playing the IPL, but critics feel that he has already played a season too many. It's no secret that Dhoni is not as effective a batter as he used to be, but he is still vital for the CSK because of his experience and leadership qualities. CSK has been poor in IPL 2025 and were one of the first teams to get knocked out of the playoff race.

Despite the team's shambolic performance, speculations are rife that MS Dhoni could play IPL 2026. Dhoni himself dropped a big hint and refused to comment on whether IPL 2025 will be his final season. "After this IPL gets over, I have to work hard for another 6-8 months to see if my body can take this pressure. Nothing to decide now,” Dhoni had said.

Former India cricketer and 2007 T20 World Cup winner Joginder Sharma presented his take on the curious case of MS Dhoni and said that the CSK captain should retire from the IPL. "Considering Mahi's fitness level, he should play up to prove his fitness, but I believe it is time for him to rest," Joginder told ANI.

Why MS Dhoni could play IPL 2026?

CSK had a disastrous run in the IPL 2025, where they could only win three out of the first 12 games. It was not the defeat that hurt the fans, but the manner in which they lost was concerning. There were times when CSK looked like a team that didn't even belong in the IPL. The batting was mediocre, and the bowlers also did not have much say. The current team looks messed up. It needs a complete overhaul, and MS Dhoni's inputs will be necessary to prepare the team for the future. Secondly, Ruturaj Gaikwad still looks a bit uncooked as captain, and MS Dhoni might play another season to groom the regular captain.