(Image source from: PTI)
Only two matches remain for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, but MS Dhoni hasn’t participated in any of them yet. ‘Thala’ has been dealing with a calf issue since the season began, according to reports. However, as Chennai gets ready to host their last home game of the season against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Monday, supporters are hoping to see Dhoni play one last time before he may announce his retirement from the T20 league. This moment aligns perfectly with something Dhoni shared five years ago. During the 2021 IPL title celebrations in Chennai, he expressed his desire to finish his T20 career in Chennai. Now, five years later, CSK is set to face SRH at Chepauk. "I have always organized my cricket plans. The last game I took part in was in Ranchi. The final home game in ODI was also in my hometown of Ranchi. So, ideally, my last T20 will be in Chennai. Whether this is next year or in five years is uncertain," Dhoni had mentioned, hinting at possible retirement plans five years back.
The five-year mark arrives tonight as Chennai competes against Sunrisers at Chepauk. There are no further matches arranged in Chennai after this one. Therefore, many believe tonight could be the last chance for the Chepauk audience to witness Dhoni playing at CSK's home ground. MS Dhoni's long-time international teammate, Ravichandran Ashwin, stated that there's a "good chance" that Dhoni will be on the field against SRH. Ashwin even noted that Dhoni has been fit and prepared to play for CSK in the last two to three matches. "I believe that MS Dhoni will likely play against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. We'll have to see how it unfolds. From what I know, he has been ready to step onto the field for the last couple of games," Ashwin mentioned. Although the CSK team has kept saying that Dhoni is not available for selection, there is a theory circulating that the 44-year-old has been staying on the bench to help the management set things up for the future. Some think that Dhoni’s return could upset the current team balance.
However, with this being the team's last match at Chepauk for the season, it appears fans may get one last look at the Indian cricket legend, in what could possibly be his farewell game in the IPL.
