Suresh Raina hinted that MS Dhoni’s IPL journey might not be over just yet. With Chennai Super Kings playing their final home match of IPL 2026 on Monday, May 18, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, speculation had grown that the game could mark Dhoni’s farewell appearance in the tournament. However, for now, it appears the legendary wicketkeeper-batter could still have another season left in him.
After CSK’s five-wicket defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad at Chepauk, Raina met Dhoni during the team’s lap of honour, where the players thanked fans for their support throughout the season.
Speaking about the interaction, Raina revealed that he had a conversation with Dhoni, who admitted that he had been struggling with fitness issues but did not completely rule out the possibility of returning for another IPL season.
CSK vs SRH: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
Raina also said that he encouraged Dhoni to continue playing and come back for another edition, especially since the former CSK captain has missed all 13 matches of IPL 2026 so far.
“I told him ‘you have given IPL 2026 a missed call. It won’t count. You have to come back next year’. He said ‘nahi yaar, body thoda waisa hai (my body is a little weak)’. I said ‘we are not believing anything. You have to play next year’. It’s his personal call. I think he is positive. The team is also gelling well again,” Raina told Star Sports.
“Fans also want you to come. He said ‘let me see’. If he says let me see, there’s a chance he will work hard, and play again,” Raina added.
HOW MS DHONI GRABBED THE LIMELIGHT
Before the game against the Sunrisers, fans were given hope of seeing Dhoni back on the field when he stepped out of the team bus at Chepauk. Dhoni had largely avoided travelling with the squad to venues on matchdays this season, believing that his presence could overshadow the team because of the immense attention he naturally attracts, with cameras constantly tracking him and crowds erupting every time he appears.
During the toss, Ravi Shastri specifically asked skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad for an update on Dhoni’s availability. However, Gaikwad confirmed that Dhoni was not fit enough to feature in the match.
During the mid-innings break, though, Dhoni walked onto the field for the team photoshoot, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. After the match, he returned to the ground once again during CSK’s lap of honour.
Dhoni waved to the Chepauk crowd, hopefully as a goodbye only for the season. The 44-year-old also spent time with the groundstaff, posing for pictures and even clicking selfies with photographers around the stadium.
Dhoni has been struggling with a calf injury that has kept him out for the entire season so far, much to the disappointment of CSK fans, who continue to wait eagerly for one more appearance from their iconic captain.
As far as the Super Kings are concerned, they have made life tough for themselves after losing to SRH. The five-time champions don’t have fate in their hands anymore. Not only do they have to beat Gujarat Titans in their last league match, but also hope for other results to go in their favour for a berth in the playoffs.
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