Should MS Dhoni play in IPL 2026?
MS Dhoni is one of the first players who has been part of IPL since it started in 2008. He was picked by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and became their captain. MS Dhoni is also known as the Godfather of IPL because of his huge impact on the league.
He has played for CSK every year except for two seasons when the team was suspended. The team kept him because of his great leadership and strong batting in the lower order. As a captain, Dhoni has done very well in IPL.
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Under his leadership, CSK was runner-up in the first IPL season in 2008. Then they won their first IPL title in 2010 and won again in 2011, becoming the first team to win two times in a row. Dhoni has led CSK to five IPL titles from 2008 to 2023.
CSK is also the most consistent team, reaching playoffs 12 times. Dhoni gave the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad before IPL 2024 but came back as captain in 2025 when Gaikwad got injured.
This year, Dhoni will turn 44 years old. People have talked a lot about his retirement from IPL. He retired from international cricket in 2019 but still plays for CSK. Before IPL 2025, CSK kept him by paying 4 crore rupees.
IPL 2025 was a tough season for Dhoni. CSK got out of the playoffs first. Dhoni’s batting was weak, he scored only 196 runs in 13 matches with a strike rate of 135.17.
After this season, many are asking if Dhoni should retire from IPL or play in 2026. Dhoni has not said clearly if he will retire or come back next season.
Why MS Dhoni should play in IPL 2026?
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Great guide for new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad
Dhoni has a lot of experience as captain in both international cricket and IPL. Ruturaj Gaikwad is new as captain and needs help. Dhoni’s presence can support Gaikwad on the field and help him learn to lead better.
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Strong lower order batsman
Even though Dhoni did not do well in IPL 2025, he was very good in the two seasons before that. His batting strike rate was very high, showing he can handle pressure well.
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Good fitness even at older age
Dhoni is 43 years old but keeps himself fit. He had knee surgery after IPL 2023 but still did not miss any match because of injury or fitness problems. This shows that age is just a number for him.
Why MS Dhoni should not play in IPL 2026?
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Age is a big factor
Dhoni will be almost 44 or 45 in IPL 2026. With age, reflexes get slower. In IPL 2025, he looked slower behind the stumps and while running. IPL is getting faster and more competitive, so age can be a problem.
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Poor batting in IPL 2025
Dhoni’s batting was not good last season. He struggled against spinners and had trouble rotating the strike. This shows his time in IPL might be over.
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Blocks chance for young players
If Dhoni stays in the team, young players may not get enough chances. CSK needs to give more opportunities to young talent for the future.
In conclusion, MS Dhoni is the Godfather of IPL and has done a lot for the league. But whether he should play IPL 2026 depends on his fitness, team needs, and his own decision.
ALSO READ: How Mumbai Indians Have Performed in IPL Qualifier 2 Matches So Far
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