The questions around the retirement of MS Dhoni have been a regular feature for the past few Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons, which began after Chennai Super Kings' title victory in 2023.
However, Dhoni has continued to play in each of the seasons since as a finisher in the side — while also leading the men in yellow for the majority of 2025.
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The Super Kings ended their season at the bottom of the table for the first time in the league's history despite beating Gujarat Titans in their final match of the season on Sunday afternoon.
While the 83-run win did not impact their position in the table, it hurt GT's top-two hopes with the defeat in their backyard at Ahmedabad.
Check out what Dhoni had to say about his potential return in 2026 during the post-match interview.
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Will MS Dhoni continue to play in IPL 2026?
The five-time IPL winner, Dhoni, will be approaching 45 by the time next season starts. The wicketkeeper, once again, chose not not disclose his future, failing to give any definitive answer to Harsha Bhogle in the post-match presentation.
The CSK skipper stated that he will take time and check how the body reacts in a few months' time.
"I have four or five months to decide [whether to play or not]. It's professional cricket; you have to be at your best. It's not performances. What's important is to see how much hunger you have. I have enough time to decide. I'll go back to Ranchi. I'm not saying I'm done; I'm not saying I'm coming back. I have the luxury of time," said Dhoni.
MS Dhoni reflects on IPL 2025 season
Speaking about the season gone by, as CSK were only able to get 4 wins in 14 matches, the 44-year-old called the last game their best performance and pointed out where they lagged.
"This was among the perfect performances. This was one game where the catching was also good. When we started the season, the first four games out of six were in Chennai. We won the tosses and chased," said the CSK skipper.
"Second innings, we were under a bit of pressure. So I was more worried about the batting department. Now everybody has contributed. When Rutu comes back next year— he doesn't have to worry about too many things.
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About feeling old among the lot of teenagers in the tournament and what would matter the most in determining if he returns the next year.
"Definitely, you feel old [as Suryavanshi touched his feet]. I asked Andre [Siddharth], 'How old are you?' And he's exactly 25 years younger than me!"
"It's professional cricket; you have to be at your best. It's not performances. What's important is to see how much hunger you have. I have enough time to decide," he emphasized.