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After not featuring in a single game in the IPL 2026 season, Chennai Super Kings superstar MS Dhoni’s availability has again emerged as a major concern for the five-time IPL champions.
Chennai Super Kings are out of the IPL playoff race after the 2026 season ended with consecutive losses in the season. The Super Kings were led by Ruturaj Gaikwad during the season.
For the new-age CSK captain, this was his first season as the independent captain of the team. MS Dhoni did not feature in any of CSK’s matches this season, including their final home match of the season on May 18.
Will MS Dhoni play for CSK in IPL 2027?
MS Dhoni was highly expected to play in his last home match of the season on 18 May, as it was Chennai’s final match of the season. Before announcing his retirement, he had promised his fans that his last match would be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Concerns over MS Dhoni’s physical fitness due to hamstring and thumb injuries this season and his turning 45 in the month of July this year have raised serious doubts over his availability for the next season.
However, the CSK management has repeatedly assured that the final decision on the issue will be taken by the experienced player only. However, Kasi Vishwanath has assured that he will also play the next season.
The CSK franchise, of course, does not believe so. “My understanding is that he will be back next season,” CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told Cricbuzz. “We have not spoken to him about it, but we are hopeful that he will come back. We are also hopeful that he will keep his promise to CSK fans that he will play his last IPL match in Chennai.”
Stephen Fleming’s future in Super Kings management remains uncertain: Rahul Dravid in talks with CSK management
After a disappointing season for Chennai Super Kings, Stephen Fleming’s appointment for the upcoming season seems highly unlikely. The Super Kings have not only struggled to win matches but have also looked like a confused unit.
While Dhoni at first decided not to interfere in management decisions, for some time it seemed that the team was performing well even without him. Stephen Fleming’s role as head coach of the team seems highly unlikely.
Rahul Dravid is the replacement who can negotiate with the CSK management for this role; However, no such confirmation has been made from their side. Vishwanathan clearly stated that no contact has been made with Dravid, adding, “We have not taken a decision on any cricket matter. We will review at some stage.”
MS Dhoni will remain an integral part of the CSK setup
Although Fleming’s record in the IPL this season has been a major blemish, his services remain a highlight for the Super Kings. Along with Chennai Super Kings, he is also the head coach of other Super Kings teams, such as Texas Super Kings in the MLC and Joburg Super Kings in the SA20.
With the MLC likely to start soon after the IPL ends, there is not much time left for a new coach to come in and hence, at least on the global stage, Fleming is unlikely to part ways with the Super Kings immediately.
The CSK management is in a dilemma as they are still looking for Dhoni’s confidence before taking a final decision on MS Dhoni’s future in the IPL. However, what is certain is that he is likely to remain as an integral part of the CSK setup, whether he continues to operate as a player or not.
Also read: Full list of records broken by Vaibhav Suryavanshi by scoring 97 runs in 29 balls in IPL 2026 Eliminator
