Chennai Super Kings’ association with MS Dhoni has long gone beyond matchday headlines. Even with the veteran not appearing in a single game in IPL 2026 due to recurring injuries, the former India captain stayed at the centre of conversation around the franchise. Supporters at Chepauk briefly held out hope when he was seen on a matchday, but later updates confirmed that yet another injury had ruled him out. With Dhoni missing throughout the campaign, speculation only grew around whether he might still return for one last appearance for CSK.
Manjrekar’s view on the Dhoni debate
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar said he has grown tired of the continual discussion surrounding Dhoni’s availability and believes CSK leaned too heavily into emotion rather than focusing on results and the practical balance of the squad.
Speaking on the Sportstar Podcast, Manjrekar said he feels drained by how often the topic has been revisited, adding that his stance does not hinge on whether Dhoni plays or not. In his words, the question has become too repetitive: “Whether he plays, whether he doesn’t play.”
At the same time, Manjrekar underlined that his respect for Dhoni has not changed. He pointed to the impact Dhoni delivered for India and for CSK during his prime, and suggested that a younger version of the wicketkeeper-batter could have led this current CSK group into the playoffs through his leadership.
However, Manjrekar argued that CSK’s biggest error in IPL 2026 was attempting to accommodate Dhoni in the squad despite ongoing fitness concerns and advancing age. He said the franchise should shift attention toward present-day performances—prioritising match-winning execution and team needs over sentimental attachment.
“CSK have learned one harsh lesson — don’t get too emotional about your players. Be emotional about the reality, the performances, your current standing, the points table,” Manjrekar said, stressing that the franchise must evaluate decisions through the lens of on-field outcomes and where they stand in the standings.
- MS Dhoni remained a constant talking point for CSK in IPL 2026 despite not playing any match due to multiple injuries.
- Fans at Chepauk were excited when Dhoni appeared on matchday, hoping it could signal a possible return.
- Subsequent reports confirmed that another injury again ruled him out.
- His absence across the season intensified speculation about whether he would play one final game for CSK.
- Sanjay Manjrekar said he is tired of the repeated Dhoni discussion and believes CSK became overly emotional rather than focusing on results and squad balance.
- He clarified his admiration for Dhoni remains the same because of what the former captain achieved for India and CSK in his peak years.
- Manjrekar added that a younger Dhoni could have potentially guided this CSK side into the playoffs through leadership.
- He concluded that CSK’s key mistake was trying too hard to fit Dhoni into the squad despite fitness struggles and age.
- Manjrekar urged CSK to prioritise current performances and winning matches over emotional attachment.
- He framed it as a “harsh lesson” that emotion should be directed towards reality, performances, current standing, and the points table.
