Dhoni Keeps Fans Guessing: 'Not Saying I'm Done, Not Saying I'm Coming Back

MS Dhoni has kept everyone guessing about his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon was expected to call it quits after this season, but so far, Dhoni hasn’t said yes or no. He’s staying quiet, and fans are still waiting to know if this will be his final IPL.

The wicketkeeper-batter has been struggling with fitness problems for the past couple of years. In IPL 2025, he even came out to bat as low as number 9 for CSK. All signs seemed to suggest that Dhoni was finally ready to retire, especially after dropping hints over the last few seasons. But it turns out, he’s not done yet. At least, not for now.

Dhoni Reflects on Future in Yellow: "Not Saying I'm Done, Not Saying I'm Coming Back"

After CSK won their last match of the season against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, Dhoni was asked if this was the final time fans would see him in the yellow jersey. The IPL legend smiled and said he would head back home to Ranchi and take some time to think about it. He added that there are still a few months left before the IPL 2026 auction, and he’ll see how his body feels before deciding whether to continue or retire.

“It depends. I have 4-5 months to decide; there’s no hurry (on retirement). Need to keep the body fit. You have to be at your best. If cricketers start retiring for their performance, some of them will retire at 22. I will go back to Ranchi and enjoy a few back rides. I am not saying I am done, not saying I am coming back. I have the luxury of timing. Will think about it and then decide,” Dhoni said after the match.

The wicketkeeper has only faced 145 balls this season, which feels low, especially since Dhoni came out to bat in 13 of the 14 matches. Just to compare, Shivam Dube, who doesn’t even bat in the top four, faced 270 balls. If Dhoni isn’t able to make a bigger impact because of his fitness, maybe it’s time for him to think about stepping away before the IPL 2026 auction.

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