Delhi: During the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, once again there was tremendous enthusiasm among the fans regarding Mahendra Singh Dhoni. This veteran player of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) not only missed the team’s last home match, but was also not seen on the field against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad.

Dhoni remained out of the entire season

Dhoni, who was struggling with calf and hamstring problems in the initial phase of IPL, later became victim of a thumb injury.

Due to these continuous fitness problems, he could not play a single match in the entire tournament. This was the first time in the nearly 19-year-old IPL history when Dhoni was not seen on the field for the entire season.

Now that he is going to turn 45 in July, discussions have intensified regarding his IPL future. Questions are being raised in the cricket circles whether Dhoni has already played his last IPL match without informing.

Hopes of farewell match in Chennai unfulfilled

There was special discussion about the match played on 18th May because it was the last home match of the season of Chennai Super Kings. Dhoni has already said that he wants to play his last IPL match in Chennai. In such a situation, the fans were hopeful that this match could become an emotional farewell match of his career.

However, the franchise is still assuming that Dhoni can make a comeback in the next season. Chennai Super Kings Chief Executive Officer Kasi Vishwanathan said that the team management is hopeful that Dhoni will be seen playing again next year.

He also said that the franchise wants Dhoni to bid farewell to the fans by playing his last IPL match in Chennai.

Dhoni stayed away from team matters

This season, Dhoni did not interfere much in the team’s decisions. Dhoni, who is usually active in every major decision of Chennai Super Kings, openly allowed captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and coach Stephen Fleming to take the responsibility.

It is being told that Dhoni had also told some close people that the team is performing well even without him. He was especially happy with Jamie Overton’s role as a finisher, because this was the same responsibility that Dhoni performs under normal circumstances.

Suspense on Stephen Fleming’s future too

Along with Dhoni, the future of head coach Stephen Fleming also remains a topic of discussion. According to the information, Chennai Super Kings management has not yet taken any final decision regarding the coaching staff. Rahul Dravid’s name is being linked to the team, but the franchise has made it clear that no contact has been made with him.

Kashi Vishwanathan said that at present the team management will review the matters to cricket later.

However, the demand to replace Fleming is continuously rising on social media and among fans.

Chennai has not reached the playoffs in the last three seasons

Stephen Fleming has been the most successful coach of Chennai Super Kings for a long time. Under his coaching, the team won five IPL titles and succeeded in reaching the playoffs 10 times. Despite this, the team has not been able to progress beyond the league stage for the last three seasons.

If we look at the statistics, after 2022, the win-loss ratio of both Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings has been among the worst teams. In such a situation, it is considered natural to raise questions on the team’s performance.

Dhoni’s opinion will be most important

Fleming is currently associated with the Super Kings franchise in Major League Cricket and SA20. In such a situation, the possibility of an immediate decision on his future is considered less. It is believed that the team management will discuss this topic in the coming time.

However, one thing is considered almost certain that whether Dhoni plays further as a player or not, he will remain an important part of Chennai Super Kings. His opinion will be given utmost importance in any major decision to the team.