CSK coach laughs off MS Dhoni retirement chatter, drops major clue on IPL future: ‘Are you seriously asking me that?’

MS Dhoni's absence has been felt this season as CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs. Eric Simons dropped a huge hint on the CSK veteran's future.

Updated on: May 22, 2026, 12:47:24 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Chennai Super Kings bowling coach Eric Simons dropped a huge update on MS Dhoni's Indian Premier League future. Dhoni hasn't played a single game in IPL 2026, and was initially ruled out due to a calf strain. He recovered and rehabilitated, and ahead of their final must-win game, he suffered a thumb injury. According to reports, he returned home to Ranchi and would only rejoin the squad if they qualified for the playoffs. But CSK lost to Gujarat Titans in the final must-win league game, crashing to a huge 89-run defeat.

MS Dhoni didn't feature in a single game this season. (PTI)

Ahead of the match, Dhoni's absence was confirmed by CSK batting coach Michael Hussey in the pre-match press conference. The former player revealed that Dhoni wasn't with the team. Meanwhile, in the post-match press conference, Simons was asked if Dhoni would play next season. The CSK coach had a hilarious reaction, stating, “Are you seriously asking me that question?”

Also Read: Gambhir’s insane pain tolerance revealed in unheard IPL physio story: ‘Refused injection, recovered through exercise'

‘MS will know, and MS will make the decision’

Simons also revealed that Dhoni has been performing well during training sessions.

"We always are. I mean, honestly, he has hit the ball so well. He obviously had a leg injury, which made it very difficult for him to run, so that's why he couldn't play. But in terms of hitting the ball in the nets, he's hitting it as well as I've ever seen him hit it. But I keep saying this, only MS will know, and MS will make the decision about when he's ready and when he's right," he said.

"And I tell you what, if he knows he's not, he won't play. But if he is right, he will. He'll make the decision in the best interest of the team and not for himself as an individual. But it will be great to have him playing. It's been great just having him around the unit and being someone to tap into for knowledge and calmness," he added.

Dhoni's absence has been felt this season as they failed to qualify for the playoffs. His experience and calm composure were missed by fans, who flocked to stadiums, hoping to see him play. After a poor start, they managed to stage a late comeback in the race to qualify, courtesy of some good performances from opener Sanju Samson. But it was too late, and they missed the playoffs.

"I think a lot of the positives come around the fact that we started getting an understanding of ourselves as a unit. I think that's an important part of winning an IPL, is that you get your balance right, and you have a side that can carry itself through, and your changes are made a long way before the game. Not because someone's out of form, but because you're moving into a particular condition", said Simons.

"So we know ourselves a lot better as a unit, and we also know a lot of the individuals better, as to what they can and can't do," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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