IPL 2026: Is MS Dhoni Retiring Tonight? His 5-Year-Old Statement Hints at Emotional Chennai Farewell
Retirement chats surrounding MS Dhoni have again taken over social media ahead of Chennai Super Kings' last home match of IPL 2026 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Chepauk on Monday.
Dhoni is yet to feature in any match this season because of a suspected calf injury. With CSK to play just two league-stage matches, cricket followers are questioning if tonight will be the last match in the Indian Premier League of the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman.
The retirement whispers amplified after Dhoni made a statement during the CSK's IPL title celebrations in Chennai in 2021. Dhoni had stated back then he wished to play his last T20 match in Chennai.
Dhoni had said
"I have always planned my cricket. The last game I played was in Ranchi. The last home game in ODI was at my hometown in Ranchi. So, hopefully, my last T20 will be in Chennai. Whether it's next year or in five years' time, we don't really know."
Exactly five years later, CSK are to play their last home fixture in IPL 2026 in Chepauk. Chennai have no more matches scheduled in the city post the clash against SRH that adds much sentiment to the encounter.
Dhoni's Possible Return Against SRH
Recent news by former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin have offered some solace to the fans. Ashwin claimed that Dhoni's return for the match against SRH is very much possible.
Ashwin said:
"I have a feeling that against Sunrisers Hyderabad, there is a good chance of MS Dhoni playing. Let's wait and see how it goes. As far as I have heard, he has been ready to take the field for the last two to three games."
Dhoni's absence from all the matches of the season has come as a shock to the fans. While the camp of CSK repeatedly asserted that he hasn't been available for selection, there are reports that the veteran cricketer has been sidelined by a calf problem since the commencement of the season.
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Why Dhoni Has Stayed Away This Season
A section of cricket analysts also believes that MS Dhoni has voluntarily been kept out of the playing XI in order to plan the franchise for the future as there is a thought that his inclusion in the playing XI might influence the balance of the team and it will be difficult for the management to plan in the long run.
Even at 44 years, MS Dhoni is still a larger than life figure in world cricket and the CSK fans seem to stand with him like none other. Chepauk is a venue which has been a witness to several golden moments created by former India skipper over the years and the fans are certainly looking forward to see him in action on the ground for one last time.
Tonight may be the night MS Dhoni announces retirement officially or otherwise, but emotions are expected to run high at Chepauk as it looks all set for his final IPL appearance in Chennai.