New Delhi: MS Dhoni’s playing future has been a hot topic in recent seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL). When Dhoni led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to a fifth IPL title in 2023, many believed his journey was over. However, three years later, a 45-year-old Dhoni still remains a central figure in CSK’s squad.
In the twilight of his career, Dhoni will play his 19th season in IPL when the 2026 season kicks off on March 28. He is one of the very few players to have played in the IPL every season since its inception in 2008.
In the last couple of years, Dhoni has played in a limited role and with the arrival of Sanju Samson, his successor behind the stumps, he is likely to remain a peripheral figure in the upcoming season and focus more on mentoring and guiding the side.
Despite his waning powers due to obvious reasons, the fans aren’t ready to say goodbye to their talisman just yet.
Tamil actor Sivakarthikeyan also wants the ‘Thala” to continue playing until he turns 60.
During a special pre-season event at Chepauk, where past, present and future CSK stars assembled in front of a packed house, the million-dollar question came up – but it felt more like a suggestion.
Sivakarthikeyan didn’t ask Dhoni about his retirement date; instead, he urged him to keep playing for another decade.
The massive crowd gave their approval with a loud roar.
Dhoni responded: “That is very difficult,” he said. But Sivakarthikeyan persisted: “With your fitness, it’s easy, I think,” he replied.
The cricket legend admitted the truth, “It’s (fitness) on the way down, not the way up,” before quickly adding, “I can try.”
This was all the fans needed to hear. As the stadium went into a frenzy, Sivakarthikeyan exclaimed: “We got the answer, sir!”
A CSK fan at heart, Our star SK in the house 🥳#Roar26 #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/Sl8aG0xmGH
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 22, 2026
Dhoni stole the show in a star-studded event, which saw him honour T20 World Cup winners Shivam Dube and Sanju Samson. During the inaugural “Roar 2026”, legendary cricketers Suresh Raina and Matthew Hayden were inducted into the CSK Hall of Fame.
He later shared a heartfelt moment with new recruit Sarfaraz Khan in the dressing room.
A video shared by Sarfaraz on Instagram has gone viral, showing Dhoni spending time with the cricketer’s one-year-old son.
MS Dhoni with Sarfaraz Khan’s son
Cutest Moment of the Day ❤ pic.twitter.com/AtTz4DrIvU
— Sonu (@Cricket_live247) March 22, 2026
A household name in Chennai, Dhoni is the joint-most successful captain in IPL history, with five titles. The Jharkhand cricketer has played 272 matches for CSK since 2008, except the 2016 and 2017 seasons, scoring 5,314 runs for the Chennai-based franchise.
