MS Dhoni says he will decide on IPL 2027 before December after medical tests
MS Dhoni will decide on IPL 2027 after medical tests, with CSK still hopeful of his return despite missing the entire 2026 season.
MS Dhoni said he will decide on playing IPL 2027 after medical tests, with the 45-year-old expecting a report before December. Dhoni missed the entire 2026 season with Chennai Super Kings because of a calf injury. Speaking at a healthcare event in Bengaluru, he said doctors must confirm whether the "old vintage vehicle" can handle another season.
Dhoni scored 5,439 runs in 278 IPL matches at an average of 38.30, with 24 half-centuries. He led CSK to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 titles. Under Ruturaj Gaikwad's captaincy since 2024, CSK finished last in 2025 and eighth in 2026.
The franchise has not won the title since Dhoni's final season as captain in 2023. Dhoni said if unfit, the medical team must ensure the "old vintage vehicle" runs well on the road.
CricHubb Take
Dhoni's timeline puts pressure on CSK to plan without him while publicly maintaining hope, a balance that rarely ends cleanly.