'Need to see if my body is able to take this kind of pressure' - MS Dhoni breaks silence on IPL 2026 plans

'Need to see if my body is able to take this kind of pressure' - MS Dhoni breaks silence on IPL 2026 plans (Source: IPL/Star Sports)

Legendary skipper, , addressed the speculation around his retirement plans following Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) narrow two-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens. After a disappointing campaign, this victory recorded CSK’s third win of the 2025 season.

Despite the win in Kolkata, CSK is sitting at a bottom-of-the-table finish for the first time in its history. Despite Dhoni returning to lead the side after regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out mid-season, the side couldn't see a change in fortune. Against KKR, the Ranchi-born stayed unbeaten on 17 off 18 balls, and helped his team successfully chase down 180 making it their highest chase since 2019.  After the game, Dhoni shared his thoughts on retirement. While not making an official announcement, the veteran hinted that he might come to play in the next season. 

"That's the love and affection I have got throughout, not to forget, I'm 43 and I have played for a long time. They don't know when it will be my last year, it is a fact I play only 2 months a year. This IPL gets over, then I have to work for the next 6–8 months to see if my body is able to take this kind of pressure. (on his retirement plans) Nothing to decide as of now, but the love and affection I get everywhere is excellent, he said at the post-match interview.

We want answers for the next year: MS Dhoni

The victory over KKR was achieved through a collective team effort. Noor Ahmad’s four-wicket haul restricted KKR to 179. Dewald Brevis then got his side back in the contest with his 52 off 25 balls, along with Shivam Dube’s 45 and Dhoni's unbeaten knock.

Although CSK is already out of playoff contention, the win spoiled KKR’s title defence and gave Chennai something to celebrate. With two more games to go, including a farewell home match in Chennai, the five-time champions will be hoping to end on a high.

"We have won a few? (Smiles) It is only the third game we gave won. It is good to be on the winning side. Quite a few things have not gone our way. What is important is to be practical. Identify what has gone wrong. We have 25 players who can fill and I was focusing on that. We want answers for the next year, which batter can slot in where and which bowler can bowl where according to the conditions. Hardly anyone was scoring runs, yes you will get out sometimes but you back yourself and play the shots you feel you can do. These are the players who are part of the squad now, you may see them in the nets, in the practice games, give them a chance and see how they react. You don't look at the cricketing aspect or the technique but their mental strength and game awareness. If he can figure out what the bowler is doing, what is his bluff ball, he will do well," he added.

"(On the talk with Dube) You have to keep their spinners out of the game, thanks to Brevis, he gave us that luxury, don't give wickets to Sunil and Varun, then we will see. This is not a big ground, I said take it slightly to the end, not to forget, I was the last batter, that was the thinking. He played calculated shots and he hit two sixes and that brings the rate down," Dhoni concluded.