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As Chennai Super Kings (CSK) face the potential for elimination from IPL 2026, speculation has intensified over whether MS Dhoni will proceed within the yellow jersey as a player next season. Dhoni was retained ahead of the tournament as an \u201cuncapped player\u201d and was seen as a mentor figure expected to guide and groom younger talent, but injuries ruled him out of your entire campaign.<\/span><\/p>\n With just one league match remaining, Dhoni has neither batted nor taken up wicketkeeping duties this season. When asked about his future, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming remained non-committal, stating that the choice rests with the franchise management.<\/span><\/p>\n Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni have long been constant figures within the CSK dressing room. Fleming first shared the setup with Dhoni as a player in the course of the 2008 season before later becoming the team\u2019s head coach. <\/span><\/p>\n Although Dhoni has not featured as a player this season, Fleming emphasized that his experience and presence across the squad have still played a precious role in guiding and supporting the younger players within the support staff environment.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a selection for the management. I do know there was numerous speak about it. MS (Dhoni) has been around rather a lot this 12 months, which could be very vital for the team, for young players in continuity, so he\u2019s been a giant part. He hasn\u2019t played, but he\u2019s still had a giant influence on the team.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s numerous good things we\u2019ve done. We\u2019ve introduced some latest players that can hopefully be generation players for CSK. But I do know we’re judged on results, that\u2019s fair. So yeah, that\u2019s a management call, not mine,\u201d he said on the subject.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n EMOTIONAL MS DHONI AT CHEPAUK \ud83e\udd79\ud83d\udc9b pic.twitter.com\/IOMQDHd3Mu<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Speculation over MS Dhoni\u2019s playing future has continued throughout the season. While the CSK management has maintained that the wicketkeeper-batter has been sidelined attributable to injury, several theories have circulated suggesting that he could have stayed out of the XI intentionally to permit younger players more game time.<\/span><\/p>\n Ahead of reports of Dhoni potentially being available for the Sunrisers Hyderabad clash on Monday, former India great Sunil Gavaskar remarked that such a move will not be ideal, as CSK would likely prefer to stick with their deal with grooming emerging talent.<\/span><\/p>\n At this stage, whether Dhoni will return to play next season stays uncertain, and the reply may not come anytime soon.<\/span><\/p>\n Get the newest cricket news here, like us on Facebook<\/a>, and follow us on Twitter<\/a> and Instagram <\/a> for more such updates.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
Dhoni\u2019s CSK Future Sparks Ongoing Debate Amid Absence Speculation<\/h3>\n
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