{"id":11489,"date":"2026-05-22T06:12:38","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T06:12:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1win.za.com\/ipl\/csk-coach-eric-simons-hints-dhonis-ipl-call-will-be-entirely-his"},"modified":"2026-05-22T06:12:38","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T06:12:38","slug":"csk-coach-eric-simons-hints-dhonis-ipl-call-will-be-entirely-his","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1win.za.com\/ipl\/csk-coach-eric-simons-hints-dhonis-ipl-call-will-be-entirely-his","title":{"rendered":"CSK Coach Eric Simons Hints Dhoni\u2019s IPL Call Will Be Entirely His"},"content":{"rendered":"

MS Dhoni\u2019s possible return to the IPL remains one of the most closely watched storylines in Indian T20 cricket, and Chennai Super Kings bowling coach Eric Simons has now underlined that the call will rest solely with the wicketkeeper-batter himself. Speaking after CSK\u2019s last league outing against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, Simons stressed that Dhoni is still showing encouraging signs in training even though a leg injury kept him out of IPL 2026 matches.<\/p>\n

What Simons said after CSK\u2019s final league game<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Eric Simons fielded questions on whether CSK are hopeful of Dhoni returning for the next season, replying that the decision is ultimately not something anyone else can determine.<\/li>\n
  2. He noted that the 44-year-old has been hitting the ball powerfully in the nets, despite the leg problem that made running difficult and led to his absence from IPL 2026.<\/li>\n
  3. Even with Dhoni not featuring in a single match during the campaign, Simons insisted that the veteran\u2019s striking ability has not faded\u2014particularly in net sessions.<\/li>\n
  4. Simons said Dhoni will only play if he believes he can contribute at full capacity, adding that the timing of any comeback will be based on his own assessment rather than external expectations.<\/li>\n
  5. He reiterated that the decision would not be shaped by emotion or personal landmarks, suggesting Dhoni will not take the field if he feels he is not ready.<\/li>\n
  6. Simons also pointed out that, although Dhoni did not appear in matches, he stayed integrated with the CSK environment throughout the season, offering guidance to younger players.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Simons\u2019 comments are likely to lift confidence among CSK supporters who have continued to hope Dhoni has one final IPL year left in him, especially after he missed the entire 2026 campaign due to fitness concerns. However, the coach made it clear that there will be no forced return\u2014only a choice made when Dhoni feels prepared to help the team in the best possible way.<\/p>\n

    While Dhoni\u2019s bat and wicketkeeping presence were absent from the playing XI this time, his influence inside the franchise setup remained visible. Simons described how valuable it has been to have him around the group, both for practical knowledge and for the steady calm he brings to the unit.<\/p>\n

    CSK\u2019s IPL 2026 journey itself ended on a disappointing note, with the franchise falling out of playoff contention after suffering what was described as their most heavy defeat in IPL history\u2014against Gujarat Titans\u2014during the league stage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    MS Dhoni\u2019s possible return to the IPL remains one of the most closely watched storylines in Indian T20 cricket, and Chennai Super Kings bowling coach…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":11488,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"CSK Coach Eric Simons on Dhoni IPL Return Decision","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"CSK bowling coach Eric Simons says MS Dhoni\u2019s IPL return decision is entirely his, highlighting encouraging training signs despite a leg injury.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11489","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"\nCSK Coach Eric Simons on Dhoni IPL Return Decision<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"CSK bowling coach Eric Simons says MS Dhoni\u2019s IPL return decision is entirely his, highlighting encouraging training signs despite a leg 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