Dhoni has also offered Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans an update on his future and indicated that he will return to the Indian Premier League in the future if his health is good enough for him to play.
At a healthcare event in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 24, 2026, Dhoni said he would undergo medical tests before deciding whether he could play another season. He told us he would make a decision before December.
The announcement has raised the possibility that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter will continue to play in the IPL. But Dhoni has yet to confirm that he will be in the 2027 tournament and will decide if he can't play in the IPL, and he will have to make the decision on his physical status.
Dhoni Jokes about his Fitness
When asked if he would like to play another IPL season, Dhoni replied in a funny way that doctors would first assess his fitness.
He said he would review the medical report and decide if his body was strong enough to carry on another season.
Dhoni also compared himself to an old vehicle that needs proper maintenance to keep running. In his typical light-hearted way, he put responsibility on the doctors to help him remain fit enough to play.
His comments are good enough to give the impression that he isn’t ruling out the possibility of continuing the IPL. But he does say he doesn’t want to commit to another season without knowing his fitness level.
Why Dhoni missed IPL 2026
Dhoni missed the entire IPL 2026 season because of fitness issues, particularly issues with his calf. CSK has had significant success in this regard and he was not there.
He is one of the most well-known figures in the tournament and his wicketkeeping, knowledge of the game, his ability to finish a game and his track record have earned him a lot of fans’ respect.
His role in the batting order has shifted since then but his presence is still very much at the heart of the support.
#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka | On his IPL future, Former Indian Cricket Team Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni says, "I'll have to go through the tests. You'll have to give me the report, and before December, I'll need to assess how strong I am and whether I can play one more season. If I'm not fit enough, then you'll have to make sure you do everything right to get this old vintage vehicle running smoothly on the road..." (24.10)
— ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2026
CSK are now facing some difficult seasons after all.
Chennai Super Kings are struggling in recent IPL. In 2025 they made it to the bottom of the table and finished the 2026 season eighth in terms of points and missed out again on the playoffs.
Dhoni took CSK to five IPL titles during his time in charge, while the team won their most recent title in 2023. Ruturaj Gaikwad became the team’s captain ahead of the 2024 season.
Dhoni’s future is also a big question mark for CSK as they head towards IPL 2027 and what sort of team they will have to get together, how they will lead and what are their plans for the future?
Will MS Dhoni play in the 2027 IPL?
For now, Dhoni’s participation in IPL 2027 is uncertain. His medical assessments and decision before December will provide a bit more clarity.
CSK fans will hope to see the veteran back in the team's yellow jersey but no official confirmation has been announced at this stage.
Dhoni’s recent comments keep the possibility of another season alive without a return as a possibility. Till he makes his final decision, fans will have to wait for an official update on the future of one of the most loved players in the IPL.
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