MS Dhoni says CSK's recent slump is a test of character after Bengaluru event on October 25, 2026

MS Dhoni said Chennai Super Kings' two-season slump is a test of character while speaking at a healthcare event in Bengaluru on October 25, 2026. He acknowledged the team's struggles and urged a focus on identifying areas for improvement to prepare for future challenges.

Chennai Super Kings have endured two difficult seasons in the Indian Premier League and missed the playoffs in IPL 2026, a run Dhoni said revealed issues that cannot be ignored. He compared the club’s fortunes to life’s ups and downs and accepted that CSK had not performed well in recent years. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter noted the period of transition the franchise is undergoing as it looks to rebuild after failing to reach the 2026 playoffs.

“The last two years, you know, we have struggled, and it's a fact. You know, there's no point shying away from the fact that RCB has done really, really well. And you know that that's how life is. You have good times, you have bad times, but you know how you come out of it, what are the things that you want to work on as a team, those are the crucial things,” Dhoni said. “Because, you know, when we are winning, we knew that there'll come a point when we'll start losing, and the real test of character is when you're not doing well.”

Dhoni acknowledged Royal Challengers Bengaluru's recent consistency as a point of comparison while stressing CSK must control internal factors to improve. “So, you know, RCB, consistently they have performed in the last couple of years, and, you know, we haven't done that in the last couple of years. So hopefully we'll try to keep the injuries out of the way, make sure that our fit players, you know, they are available throughout the tournament, and it makes life slightly easy, you know, when people understand their role and responsibility,” he said.

The 45-year-old also addressed uncertainty over his own playing future after missing the entirety of the 2026 season because of calf issues, saying he would assess his fitness before deciding. “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,” Dhoni said, as quoted by ANI. He added: “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.”

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said the final call on Dhoni's future lies with the player and that the management is typically informed of his decision when he arrives in Chennai. “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,” Viswanathan said. The franchise has also made changes to its backroom staff, with Stephen Fleming leaving his position as head coach and Zaheer Khan taking over.

Dhoni also spoke about the entertainment value of matches and expressed hope for another close contest in Bengaluru in 2027. “So we hope for another close one so that, you know, next time when we come over here, we can say that, OK, you know, 2027, we had another close game which was a lot of fun for the spectators, because at the end of the day, we are entertainers. You know, we come over here and entertain,” he said. For CSK, the immediate challenge will be converting that outlook into improved results.