CSK’s IPL 2026 Season Ends Without Dhoni in Any League Match, Coach Reacts

Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2026 has ended without MS Dhoni featuring in a single league match ball, marking the first time in the franchise’s history that the season has concluded with the former captain not taking the field for even one delivery. Dhoni remained part of CSK’s squad for the tournament, but ongoing injury concerns ruled him out across all 14 league outings.

Simons on Dhoni’s future after CSK’s loss to Gujarat Titans

Speaking at the post-match press conference following CSK’s defeat against the Gujarat Titans on Thursday, CSK bowling coach Eric Simons was asked whether the franchise is still hopeful of Dhoni returning for the next season. With speculation building that the India great may move fully into a support-staff role, the question quickly became whether Dhoni might be stepping away from playing duties.

1. Simons addressed the growing talk around Dhoni not being likely to play next year and said the team’s hope would always remain, while acknowledging the injury that kept him sidelined during IPL 2026.
2. He pointed out that Dhoni’s leg injury made running difficult, which was the key reason he could not participate in matches despite being part of the squad.
3. Simons also stressed that Dhoni’s batting work in the nets has looked sharp, describing his hitting as impressive as he has seen from the veteran.
4. When asked about timing for a potential return, Simons underlined that only Dhoni will be able to decide when he is ready and when he is right to play.
5. He added that if Dhoni believes he is not fit enough, he will not take the field, but if he feels he is in the right condition, he will choose to play.
6. Simons said the decision would be made in the best interest of the team, not for personal reasons, while also noting how valuable Dhoni’s presence has been for the group—providing knowledge and calmness.

In essence, Simons closed the discussion by making clear that the future course belongs to Dhoni himself, even if the franchise would naturally welcome him back on-field.

CSK’s transition and the challenges of a young squad

Simons then reflected on a season that had its share of turbulence for CSK. He described the current squad as being in a developmental stage, with many younger players still learning how to adapt and manage the pressure that comes with expectations in the IPL. He also highlighted that injuries at inconvenient times to key members disrupted the team’s rhythm and consistency.

To explain what CSK is trying to build, Simons said that winning in the IPL depends on getting the side’s balance right—making adjustments well before a match, rather than reacting during games because someone is out of form. He suggested the team’s internal understanding has improved as the tournament progressed, both collectively and individually.

1. Simons said that CSK’s progress this season has involved learning how the unit operates and what each player can and cannot do.
2. He singled out Kartik as someone who has “come along” strongly in the season, while also referencing Urvil’s growth and what the team has learned about his abilities.
3. He noted that the established players’ roles and skill sets were already well known, but emphasized that the real value of the tournament was the extra clarity gained about the squad’s younger members.
4. He added that CSK is still quite young—or at least less experienced than many opponents—and that several unfortunate injury setbacks have occurred along the way.
5. As one particularly significant loss, he mentioned Jamie Overton, describing him as a balancing factor for CSK, especially during the middle overs where he plays a crucial role in their bowling plan.
6. Simons also noted that Overton offered an additional option by being able to contribute with the bat at the back end of the innings, and that his absence forced CSK to recalibrate.
7. He concluded that while losing Overton threw the team off momentarily, CSK has still come away with key lessons about both the unit and the individuals.

With Dhoni absent for the entire league stage and CSK leaning on emerging talent in his stead, Simons’ message was that this season’s lessons—along with the injury disruptions—will shape how the franchise prepares next, even as the question of Dhoni’s playing return remains firmly in his hands.