MS Dhoni fever gripped Wallajah Road in Chennai as IPL 2026 built toward its late-season crunch, with fans hoping the veteran would finally step onto the field on May 18. That date was set to be Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) second-to-last match at home, yet the story ended with disappointment: Dhoni not only missed that final home outing of the campaign, he also failed to appear against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad a few days later. Calf and hamstring troubles early in the season, followed by a thumb injury later on, kept him sidelined for much of the tournament—and for the first time in 19 years, he did not feature in an IPL at all. With Dhoni turning 45 this July and the physical intensity of T20 cricket only rising, the natural question hanging over CSK is whether this could be his last season in the league. Has his IPL journey already reached its final chapter?
Dhoni’s absence and the home-match build-up
There was plenty of narrative momentum around the May 18 game at CSK’s home ground, as it represented the team’s last fixture in Chennai for the season. Dhoni had earlier suggested that he would bring his IPL career to a close in Chennai, which added fuel to speculation that the match could serve as a farewell. With the idea of him returning next year looking increasingly unlikely, the disappointment of his non-appearance felt even sharper.
Why the GT fixtures shifted—and how injuries compounded it
One of the key reasons the late-season schedule carried extra weight was the way CSK and Gujarat Titans’ dates were rearranged. The final home game of the season was originally due to be played against Gujarat Titans in Chennai on May 21, but the venues for the two GT-CSK matches were swapped due to local elections in Ahmedabad. Gujarat Titans’ Chennai fixture was moved forward to April 26 to allow CSK to travel to Ahmedabad as planned.
- The May 21 CSK home match versus Gujarat Titans in Chennai was moved because of local elections in Ahmedabad.
- Gujarat Titans’ match in Chennai was advanced to April 26, with CSK scheduled to travel to Ahmedabad from there.
- CSK’s internal calculations were reportedly affected by the shift, and Dhoni’s thumb injury further disrupted plans.
CSK leadership, Fleming’s future debate, and Dhoni’s expected influence
While Dhoni is typically deeply involved with CSK’s day-to-day cricketing thought process, he had largely stepped back during this season. The captain—Ruturaj Gaikwad—along with head coach Stephen Fleming, were left to carry the decision-making responsibilities. It is also understood that Dhoni told some people the team was managing well even without him in the picture, and he was especially pleased to see Jamie Overton take on the finishing role that Dhoni would likely have fulfilled.
Beyond Dhoni’s playing status, another major topic within the CSK camp has been Fleming’s coaching future. CSK management, however, has not reportedly made a decision on the coach’s next step. In particular, there has been no approach made to Rahul Dravid, a figure frequently linked with the franchise in recent discussions. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan made the position clear, saying that no call has been taken on cricket-related matters and that they will review at some stage—while also stating categorically that there has been no contact with Dravid.
- CSK management has not taken a decision on Stephen Fleming’s future.
- No approach has been made to Rahul Dravid despite ongoing links to the role.
- Viswanathan indicated the team will review matters later rather than making an immediate change.
Why the clamour may not force an immediate change
Even with growing noise among fans and across social media for a coaching shake-up, there is a sense within CSK that the decision should come from Fleming himself. Fleming, who has been CSK’s coach since Season 2, has delivered remarkable achievements—winning five titles and guiding CSK to 10 playoff appearances. Yet the franchise has not reached the post-league stage for the last three seasons, which has inevitably intensified scrutiny.
- Fleming has won five titles and coached CSK to 10 playoff appearances.
- CSK have missed the playoffs for the last three seasons.
- MI and CSK—both five-time IPL champions—have recorded the league’s worst and second-worst win/loss ratios since 2022.
Contract timing and the next few months
The discussions around the coaching role are also influenced by Fleming’s commitments elsewhere. Until a few years ago, his IPL remuneration was around USD 700,000 per season, and with other coaching responsibilities—Texas Super Kings in MLC and Joburg Super Kings in SA20—he is understood to earn close to USD 1 million from CSK. The MLC begins on June 18, which makes it unlikely that any definitive decision would come soon given the short turnaround time. While talks can happen later, the expectation is that CSK would take Dhoni into confidence before reaching any conclusion.
- Fleming’s prior IPL pay was around USD 700,000 per season.
- He is understood to earn close to USD 1 million from CSK along with other coaching roles.
- The MLC starts on June 18, reducing the likelihood of an immediate call.
For all the uncertainty around personnel, one element appears clear: Dhoni is expected to remain a key part of the CSK setup regardless of whether he continues to play. And in any major decision—particularly around the coaching situation—Dhoni is likely to have a significant say, even if he is not wearing the wicketkeeper’s gloves this season.
