Suresh Raina speculates MS Dhoni could play one more IPL season in 2026

Amid retirement rumors, Suresh Raina confidently stated that MS Dhoni, Chennai Super Kings' captain, will undoubtedly play another IPL season.

Suresh Raina speculates MS Dhoni could play one more IPL season in 2026

Suresh Raina confidently claimed that MS Dhoni would play another IPL season, in 2026. (via NDTV Sports)

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina confidently predicted that Chennai Super Kings skipper and legend MS Dhoni would definitely play another IPL season. Raina’s statement comes amid rumors that the 43-year-old could retire at the end of the ongoing IPL season. 

MS Dhoni continues to remain in the limelight, despite nearing the end of his two-decade long cricketing career. Soon to be 44, the CSK icon is the oldest player in the IPL this season, and most recently became the oldest to captain an IPL side, after he took over the reins from Ruturaj Gaikwad, midway through the season. The CSK opener fractured his elbow while batting against Rajasthan Royals, earlier this season.

However, MS Dhoni’s return to the helm has not been a memorable one, with the team enduring their worst IPL campaign. CSK are currently placed at the bottom of the standings, with their campaign being all but over. Dhoni, who has led the team to five IPL titles, has failed to inspire a comeback. They have won just two out of nine matches, while losing seven, which includes four shocking home defeats.

MS Dhoni too has not given much with the bat or as a captain, raising speculation that might be the CSK veteran’s last IPL season. While the 43-year-old is yet to talk about the rumors, several others have suggested that he should retire to make way for younger talents in the team. Dhoni has also struggled with a knee injury for over a year now, after having undergone surgery for the same in 2023.

However, one of MSD’s trusted lieutenants and former CSK star Suresh Raina, shut down rumors by confidently predicting that he would play another IPL season. He noted that Dhoni is fit to play another season, and hoped for CSK to step onto the pitch with a better plan in 2026. Raina’s statement comes just a few days after he had criticized the current CSK side, pointing to their lack of ‘hunger’ and ‘intent’. 

I hope that next season, they [CSK] come with better planning. And Dhoni is going to play for one more season, for sure.

Suresh Raina on MS Dhoni (H/T NDTV Sports)

Nonetheless, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming is yet to comment on the speculation surrounding MS Dhoni’s retirement. However, Fleming had most recently stated that Dhoni’s health is not what it used to be a few years ago. Dhoni still remains the player with the highest number of IPL appearances under his belt, 272 between 2008 and 2025. He is also the 6th highest run-getter, with 5383 runs in 238 innings.

Meanwhile, Suresh Raina and CSK fans, will be hoping for the team to end the ongoing 2025 IPL season on a high note, despite the setbacks. CSK next face in-form Punjab Kings a, who have already beaten the five-time champions, earlier this season. 

Suresh Raina defends MS Dhoni’s role in CSK’s poor 2025 IPL auction strategy 

Chennai Super Kings’ 2025 IPL Auction strategy has been questioned, owing to the team’s failure to remain in contention for the 2025 title. Amid criticism, former CSK star Suresh Raina defended MS Dhoni’s role in the team’s strategy, while noting that he did not take the final call. 

CSK auction strategy Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina defended MS Dhoni’s role in CSK’s poor 2025 IPL Mega Auction strategy. (via Indian Express)

Raina went on to claim that the CSK ‘core management group’, comprising the owner, CEO Kasi Viswanathan, head coach Stephen Fleming and regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, made the call about picking players at the 2025 auction in Jeddah. He even added that the current lot of CSK players could not be ones picked by Dhoni, as he only has a call behind retaining players. 

The core group handles the auction, you can imagine, [MS] Dhoni can’t have this type of auction. He would maybe name four or five players he wants, and out of them, a few would be retained.

Suresh Raina on MS Dhoni (H/T India Today)

Nonetheless, the criticism surrounding the team’s auction strategy has been sharp, with many experts noting that the team did not pick good batters. CSK did not bid for any of the key players, including Jos Buttler, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, or even the highest-paid stars, Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer.