‘Body is little weak’- MS Dhoni’s emotional words to Suresh Raina spark IPL retirement fears after CSK vs SRH IPL 2026

MS Dhoni’s remarks to his former team-mate, Suresh Raina, after the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium at Chepauk sparked retirement fears as he might not make his return in the 2027 season. 

Before the start of IPL 2026, many wondered how many games and what role Dhoni would play to help the five-time champions make it into the playoffs. But with just one league-stage fixture to go for them, the fans’ wait continues to see their ‘Thala’ in the middle.

Has MS Dhoni officially announced IPL retirements? What we know after Chepauk

For now, it appears that the legendary wicket-keeper batter could still have another season left in him. Raina met MS Dhoni during the team’s lap of honour, where the players thanked the fans for their support throughout the entire edition.

“I told him, ‘You have given IPL 2026 a missed call. It won’t count. You have to come back next year. He said ‘nahi yaar, body thoda waisa hai (my body is a little weak)’. I said, ‘We do not believe anything. You have to play next year’. It’s his personal call.” Raina expressed Dhoni’s emotional words on Star Sports. 

“I think he is positive. The team is also gelling well again. Fans also want you to come. He said, ‘Let me see. If he says let me see, there’s a chance he will work hard, and play again.” The former Indian all-rounder added.

See Also: IPL 2026 Playoff Tickets: How to buy, prices, sale date & step-by-step guide for Qualifier, Eliminator & Final

The former Indian World Cup-winner reckoned that he encouraged the Ranchi-born to continue playing and come back for another edition, as the former CSK captain missed all 13 games of this IPL.

CSK’s Playoff dream hanging by a thread— Ruturaj’s side must win both remaining games after SRH defeat

CSK could have had a great chance of making it into the top four of the IPL 2026 had they gotten the better of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). But the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side failed to win their final home clash and lost the contest by five wickets.

See Also: ‘'Don't follow me' — MS Dhoni's advice to Ruturaj Gaikwad before CSK vs SRH IPL 2026

With three teams already qualified, only one spot is up for grabs. CSK can still be the fourth side with 14 points. But for that, they must beat GT and hope RR, PBKS, and KKR all lose to avoid the 14 or more. The NRR will decide who takes the last spot between them and DC, and currently, CSK are ahead of the Capitals in that aspect.

CSK can make it with 14 points-

• If they beat GT and
• RR loss both, LSG beat PBKS, and KKR beat DC, but loss to MI.