MS Dhoni in IPL 2026? CSK Coach Stephen Fleming Stays Tight-Lipped on Veteran’s Future

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming chose to remain tight-lipped when asked about MS Dhoni’s plans beyond the 2025 IPL season. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi ahead of CSK’s clash with Rajasthan Royals, Fleming brushed off a question about whether fans could expect to see Dhoni return in 2026.

“I don’t know,” Fleming said, offering a straight-faced reply before swiftly moving on.

Throughout the season, the former New Zealand captain has maintained that he hasn’t discussed Dhoni’s future with him. The 43-year-old legend is expected to lead CSK in their final two league matches of the season, as the team faces back-to-back playoff misses—something that has never happened before in the franchise's IPL history.

Dhoni Still Undecided on Retirement

Before the 2025 season was suspended, Dhoni himself addressed the swirling retirement rumours, saying he hadn’t made a decision yet. Whether he plays another season, he said, would depend on how his body holds up after the off-season.

“It’s a two-month tournament, but then I need to train for another six to eight months to get ready. So, I’ll see how my body feels. There’s nothing for me to decide just yet,” Dhoni had said, hinting at the physical demands of playing at the highest level.

Fans have continued to show up in huge numbers across the country, not knowing whether they’re witnessing the final chapter of Dhoni’s legendary career.

Interestingly, Dhoni was retained by CSK as an uncapped player for ₹4 crore in the 2025-27 cycle. While he didn’t start the season as captain, he resumed leadership duties mid-way after Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined due to injury.

Fleming on Youth vs Experience: “Experience Wins Tournaments”

Despite CSK’s tough run this season, Fleming said there were positives—especially the performances of younger players brought in as replacements. Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, and Urvil Patel made key contributions with the bat, while spinner Noor Ahmed impressed with his consistency.

“They’ve made an impact, no doubt,” Fleming said. “This season has been a challenge, but bringing in these players has helped us start shaping the next phase of the team. It’s been valuable to see what they can do.”

That said, the CSK coach was quick to reiterate his long-standing belief in the power of experience.

“My philosophy has always been about balance—mixing youth with experience,” he explained. “I’m a fan of experience. Experience wins tournaments. But there’s no ignoring the raw talent coming through in India.”

What’s Next for CSK?

CSK will play their penultimate match of the season against Rajasthan Royals in Delhi on Tuesday, followed by their final league game against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 25.

With their playoff hopes already dashed, the focus now shifts to team rebuilding—and whether Dhoni will be part of that journey next season.