As the season of IPL 2025 comes to a close, rumors about the future of MS Dhoni have again dominated the center stage. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), still reeling from their earliest-ever playoff loss, stand under the scanner. But the biggest question for the cricket world at this moment is: will MS Dhoni play IPL 2026?

The five-time winners had a troubled experience in IPL 2025. Injuries, below-par performances, and a mixed-up side rendered CSK the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad's unfortunate elbow fracture pushed Dhoni to assume the captaincy, a return many had hoped would be a fairytale one. It was instead a season of questions than answers.

Dhoni’s performances with the bat have come under scrutiny, with his decision to bat as low as No.9 in certain games drawing criticism. He has scored 180 runs in 12 matches at an average of 25.71 and a strike rate of 140.63. Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody echoed what many were feeling, remarking on ESPNcricinfo that “the spark” seen in Dhoni in previous years seemed to be missing in 2025.

MS Dhoni keeps fans guessing as CSK insiders hint at a possible return for IPL 2026, with leadership transition plans quietly taking shape

Yet, in what may be the clearest signal yet, insiders close to the CSK camp suggest Dhoni is not done. Franchise officials remain confident that the 43-year-old will continue for at least one more season. While Dhoni himself said he will assess his body and make a final decision in the coming months, there has been no indication that he has plans to retire immediately.

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“A lot of them (fans) don’t know when it is going to be my last time, so they want to come and see me play,” Dhoni said after CSK’s win over KKR. “There is no escaping the fact that I am in the last phase of my career. After this IPL gets over, I have to work hard for another 6-8 months to see if my body can take this pressure.” Behind the scenes, CSK is already looking at the future. Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to resume the captaincy once he recovers, while Dhoni’s role may shift towards being a mentor and strategic backbone, someone who can bridge the young core and the franchise’s legacy.

For the time being, the fabled keeper-batter's tale is yet to be told. He might not be the presence he once was, but his contribution to CSK, both real and perceived, is still gargantuan. As the IPL 2025 season comes to an end with CSK playing Rajasthan Royals on May 20 and Gujarat Titans on May 25, the fans and pundits will keep a keen eye out. The "Whistle Podu" legion's roar could still not be an adios just yet.