MS Dhoni may not have completely shut the door on another IPL season, but recent comments from former teammate Suresh Raina have once again intensified speculation surrounding the legendary captain’s future with the Chennai Super Kings. Dhoni has endured a difficult IPL 2026 campaign because of ongoing fitness issues and has yet to play a single match this season.

The former CSK skipper initially suffered a calf strain during a pre-season training camp, which ruled him out of the tournament’s opening weeks. Reports later suggested that he also sustained a thumb injury, further delaying his potential comeback.

Despite remaining unavailable, MS Dhoni was present at Chepauk during CSK’s crucial clash against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday night. The 44-year-old received a thunderous reception from the Chennai crowd and later completed a lap around the stadium after the game, sparking emotional scenes among fans.

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Speaking on Star Sports, Suresh Raina revealed that he had urged Dhoni to return for IPL 2027. “I told him, ‘You have given IPL 2026 a missed call. It won’t count. You have to come back next year’,” Raina said.

Dhoni, however, admitted that his body was no longer in ideal condition.

“He said, ‘nahi yaar, body thoda waisa hai’,” Suresh Raina added. The former CSK batter continued to push Dhoni about making another comeback. “I said, ‘we are not believing anything. You have to play next year’. It’s his personal call. I think he is positive. The team is also gelling well again,” he said.

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Suresh Raina also hinted that Dhoni has not fully ruled out returning next season. “Fans also want you to come,” Raina recalled telling him. According to Raina, Dhoni responded with a simple: “let me see.”

That response has already given CSK supporters fresh hope that the five-time IPL-winning captain could still make one final appearance in yellow.