Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and their iconic captain MS Dhoni endured a forgettable campaign in the IPL 2025, finishing at the bottom of the points table for the first time in the tournament’s history. However, despite the underwhelming season and growing retirement speculation, former Australia captain Michael Clarke has made a bold prediction: MS Dhoni will return for IPL 2026.
CSK’s Worst IPL Finish
The 2025 season was one to forget for the yellow army. CSK managed to win only four matches and finished with just 8 points, placing them last on the league table. This marked the first time CSK ended a season at the bottom, a surprising outcome for a team known for its consistent performances and five IPL titles.
After Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out due to an elbow injury, Dhoni reassumed the captaincy. However, the 43-year-old couldn’t turn the tide as the team continued to struggle with form and balance.
Dhoni’s Dull Season
MS Dhoni’s individual performance also came under scrutiny. In 13 innings, he could muster only 196 runs, a modest return by his standards. His role was largely limited to finishing duties, and despite a few cameos, he failed to make a substantial impact. With whispers of retirement growing louder, fans waited for clarity—yet Dhoni remained tight-lipped on his future.
Michael Clarke’s Take: Dhoni Will Be Back
Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, Michael Clarke dismissed retirement talks, backing Dhoni to return for at least one more season.
“I think MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma will play in next year’s IPL,” Clarke said. “MS is massive. Even in away games, CSK often has more fans in the stadium than the home team—because of him.”
Clarke emphasized Dhoni’s irreplaceable value to the CSK brand, noting his significance beyond the playing field.
“Sponsors are there because of Dhoni. Fans are there because of Dhoni. He is the king of that franchise. I don’t think people realise the impact. When he retires, it will be a huge loss to the franchise,” Clarke added.
Kohli and Rohit’s Contrasting Fortunes
In contrast to Dhoni’s struggles, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma had strong seasons. Kohli scored 657 runs and led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to their first-ever IPL title after 18 years. Rohit also had a productive campaign, amassing 418 runs in 15 matches and helping Mumbai Indians (MI) reach the playoffs before being knocked out in the second qualifier by Punjab Kings.
Glimpses of Hope for CSK
Despite the disastrous season, CSK fans have reasons to stay optimistic. Young players like Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, and Anshul Kamboj showed promise in the final stretch of the tournament. The team ended the season on a high by thrashing Gujarat Titans by 83 runs, signaling a potential new core for the future.
While nothing is official yet regarding Dhoni’s future, Michael Clarke’s prediction offers a glimmer of hope to fans hoping to see the ‘Thala’ in CSK colors once more. Whether or not Dhoni returns in IPL 2026, one thing is certain—his legacy in Chennai and Indian cricket is unmatched.
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