Will Dhoni Play in IPL 2026? Suresh Raina Fuels CSK Fan Dreams

CSK's Dismal IPL 2025: Auction Blame, Dhoni's Future, and 2026 Hope

Chennai Super Kings are in the midst of a grim Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, which has them at the bottom of the standings, with two wins from nine games thus far.

The team's performance has sparked speculation of a potential overhaul before next season, despite the playoff qualification being purely mathematical.

There have been many questions about MSD's retirement, with people speculating the 43-year-old will announce his retirement after the IPL 2025, but if CSK's 'Chinna Thala,' Suresh Raina, is to be believed, Dhoni will remain for at least one more season.

Dhoni's 2026 Return to Ignite Fan Frenzy

Dhoni, who is 43 years old, remains one of the best behind the wickets, but he has been troubled by a knee injury. In batting, MS Dhoni has scored some crucial knocks for CSK this season, but that too hasn't helped the cause of the team, as the batting order has faltered.

The great captain who led CSK to five IPL trophies is still one of India's favorite cricketers. Fans fill the stadiums every season just to spot him, and his return for IPL 2026 is sure to propel enthusiasm to even greater heights.

Auction Mistakes Behind CSK's Poor Season

Chennai Super Kings are placed at the bottom rung of the points table, and their season is pretty much over. CSK has seven losses from their nine matches played to date. The head coach, Stephen Fleming, has stated that after the recent defeat against SRH at Chepauk, the issues his team is experiencing are because of the auction strategy.

“It is difficult to say we got it right with the performances we have had. So we have been going through that in detail, just around our style of play. Also looking around at how the game is changing," Fleming said.

"And it isn't easy. And that is why we are so proud of our record today. We have managed to be consistent for so long, and it doesn't take much for it to go in another direction. Other teams have improved, and that is the auction point. But we just haven't been able to get it right," he continued.

Conclusion

CSK's dismal 2025 season, marred by auction blunders and a dipping batting line-up, sparks overhaul rumors. Even with Dhoni's age and injury, Raina drops a hint at his 2026 comeback, vowing fan excitement even as Stephen Fleming admits the team's strategic failings.