CSK hopeful of MS Dhoni return in IPL 2027

The MS Dhoni frenzy had reached fever pitch on Wallajah Road in Chennai, with growing anticipation that the legendary player would finally take the field on May 18 in what was Chennai Super Kings' penultimate fixture of the IPL 2026 season. It all ended in anti-climax - not only did he miss that final home game of the season, he also did not feature against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad a few days later.

Calf and hamstring issues in the initial stages of the season and a thumb injury later kept Dhoni out of the season and, for the first time in 19 years, he remained a no-show throughout the IPL. With his ageing body - he turns 45 this July - and the growing physical demands of the tournament, there is inevitably a question mark over his IPL future. Has he already played his last game in the IPL?

There was considerable build-up around the May 18 game, as it marked CSK's final home fixture of the season. Given his earlier remark that he would end his IPL career in Chennai, speculation about a possible farewell only intensified - especially with the prospect of him returning next season seeming increasingly unlikely.

The CSK franchise, surely, does not believe so. "My understanding is that he will come back next season," Kasi Viswanathan, CSK CEO told Cricbuzz. "We have not spoken to him about this, but we hope he will come back. We also hope he keeps his promise to the CSK fans that he will play his last IPL game in Chennai."

In the middle of this season, there were discussions about Dhoni. Their final home game was originally scheduled against Gujarat Titans in Chennai on May 21, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) swapped the venues for the two GT-CSK games because of local elections in Ahmedabad. GT's Chennai fixture was advanced to April 26, when CSK were due to travel to Ahmedabad. CSK insiders would not openly admit it, but the change of venue did upset some calculations, as did Dhoni's thumb injury.

In the build-up to and during the season, Dhoni - otherwise deeply hands-on in the CSK matters - had largely left the decision-making to skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and coach Stephen Fleming. He consciously chose not to interfere. It is also understood that he told some people that the side was doing well even without him. He was particularly pleased that Jamie Overton was performing the finishing role he himself would likely have played.

Meanwhile, Cricbuzz understands that the CSK management has not taken a decision on the future of coach Fleming. More specifically, no approach has been made to Rahul Dravid, the man who is being linked to the franchise. "We have not taken a call on any cricketing matters. We will review at some stage," Viswanathan said, categorically stating that no contact has been made with Dravid. The management, of course, is conscious of the clamour among fans and on social media for the head coach to be replaced.

But somewhere in the CSK camp there is a perception that the decision should come voluntarily from Fleming himself. The New Zealander, who has been the team coach since Season 2, should take the conscience call. He has won five titles and coached CSK to 10 playoff appearances, but they have not reached the post-league phase for the last three seasons. Infact, MI (0.681) and CSK (0.775) - both five time winners - have the worst and second worst win/loss ratio in the league since 2022.

Until a few years ago, Fleming's IPL remuneration was around USD 700,000 per season. Also serving as head coach of the Texas Super Kings in MLC and the Joburg Super Kings in SA20, Fleming is understood to earn close to USD 1 million from the CSK management.

The MLC begins on June 18, which means a call on his future is unlikely anytime soon given the short turnaround time. Discussions may take place at a later stage but, before taking any decision, the CSK management will almost certainly take Dhoni into confidence. It is certain, Dhoni will remain an integral part of the CSK setup whether or not he continues to play, and he is also likely to have a major say in any decision concerning Fleming.

Click here to read article