MS Dhoni hints at IPL return, says decision will come before December

MS Dhoni signalled he may play another Indian Premier League season at a healthcare event in Bengaluru on October 24, 2026, saying he expects to take a call on his future before December.

Dhoni missed the entire previous IPL season because of calf issues and Chennai Super Kings failed to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs. Questions about whether the former India captain will continue playing have persisted since his absence, and the topic resurfaced during his appearance at the Bengaluru event.

Speaking to reporters, Dhoni placed emphasis on medical clearance when discussing his availability. "Doc, I will have to go through the test. You will have to give me the report, and then before December, I will have to see, you know, how strong I am to maybe play one more season," said Dhoni, as quoted by ANI.

He framed the decision around the doctors' assessment of his fitness and recovery. "And if I am not, then, you know, you will have to make sure that you do everything right with me and make sure that this old vintage vehicle is running well on the road. So all the pressure is on them," he added.

Chennai Super Kings officials expressed cautious optimism about Dhoni returning for 2027. "It's a question you need to ask him. I also have to ask him. He informs us of his decision when he arrives in Chennai. I have a feeling that the chances of him continuing to play for CSK are there. He is still a player, you know," Kasi Viswanathan, CSK CEO, said.

Following their failure to reach the IPL 2026 playoffs, CSK have carried out changes in the backroom staff, with Stephen Fleming leaving his role as head coach and Zaheer Khan taking over.

A formal determination on Dhoni's IPL future is expected before December, and the player has indicated he will await medical reports before confirming whether he will return to play for CSK in the next season.