CSK coach talks about MS Dhoni’s future after a dismal season in IPL 2026

Despite injury concerns and a difficult IPL 2026 campaign, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) believe Dhoni’s story isn’t over yet.

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) may have endured one of their most challenging IPL seasons in recent years, but one topic continues to dominate conversations among fans, the future of MS Dhoni. While the legendary skipper didn’t feature in a single game during IPL 2026 due to ongoing injury concerns, the franchise has made it clear that the door remains open for his return next season. Following CSK’s defeat to the Gujarat Titans (GT) on Thursday, bowling coach Eric Simons addressed the growing speculation surrounding Dhoni’s future.

Dhoni’s presence was felt even without playing.

According to Simons, Dhoni continued to guide players, share insights, and bring calm to the squad during a season marked by uncertainty and transition.Simons even revealed that Dhoni looked sharp during practice sessions despite his leg injury.“He’s hitting the ball as well as I’ve ever seen him,” Simons said with a smile, adding that Dhoni himself would decide whether he is physically ready to return next season.What stood out most was Simons’ confidence in Dhoni’s mindset. He stressed that Dhoni would never continue playing for personal reasons and would only return if he genuinely believed he could contribute to the team.

CSK is entering a new era with young talent.

With Dhoni unavailable, CSK used IPL 2026 as an opportunity to test younger players and prepare for the future. Talents like Kartik Sharma, Urvil Patel, AyushMhatre, and DewaldBrevis were given opportunities to prove themselves under pressure. While some youngsters showed flashes of brilliance, inconsistency remained a challenge throughout the campaign. Simons admitted that the squad is still learning and evolving, especially with many players lacking IPL experience. Apart from the transition phase, injuries also disrupted CSK’s balance this season. Simons specifically pointed out the absence of Jamie Overton as a major setback for the team’s bowling combination and lower-order batting depth. According to him, the constant changes prevented CSK from finding rhythm and stability during crucial moments of the tournament. Even after a disappointing season, one thing remains unchanged, the emotional connection between Dhoni and CSK fans. Whether he returns as a player next year or eventually transitions into a mentoring role, his presence continues to shape the identity of the franchise.

For now, CSK supporters will wait patiently, knowing that when it comes to MS Dhoni, the final call will always belong to the captain himself.