IPL 2026: Will MS Dhoni play in the next season or not? CSK bowling coach gave shocking statement

After the end of the journey of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2026, only one question is revolving in the mind of every cricket fan, will Mahendra Singh Dhoni be seen in IPL next year? Due to a leg injury, 44-year-old Dhoni could not play a single match this entire season, leaving fans heartbroken. Now CSK bowling coach Eric Simmons has given a big update regarding Dhoni’s return and his fitness.

Dhoni himself will decide on his comeback: Eric Simmons

When Eric Simmons was asked whether Dhoni would be available for the IPL season next year, he laughed and said, “Are you really asking that question? He had a leg injury due to which he was facing a lot of trouble in running and that is why he could not play this season.”

Simmons further said that the final decision on Dhoni’s return is completely in his own hands. He said, “I have always been saying that only Dhoni himself will decide when he is ready to play and what is the right time for his comeback.”

“Dhoni was seen in his old form in the nets”

Even though Dhoni did not come on the field to play matches this year, he showed his bat prowess during net practice. Former South African all-rounder Simmons said, “During net practice, he was batting exactly the way he used to do (in his prime form).”

He also made it clear that Dhoni never compromises with the welfare of the team. Simmons said, “If he feels that he is not fully fit, he will not play. But if he is fit, he will definitely play. He always gives priority to the interest of the team above individual achievements and his playing is always beneficial for the team.”

CSK missed the playoffs for the third consecutive time

The performance of Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026 was full of ups and downs. In their last match, CSK suffered a crushing defeat of 89 runs at the hands of Gujarat Titans. With this defeat, CSK was reduced to only 12 points and was out of the playoff race for the third consecutive time.

Expressed surprise at shortcomings in fielding

Coach Simmons admitted that the team’s fielding performance this season was not as per expectations, even though the players had worked hard in this department.

Quoting his conversation with former legend Matthew Hayden, he said, “We worked hard on fielding this year. We took some incredible catches in the tournament, but also gave up some very easy catches, which is quite surprising. There is always scope for improvement and the fielding coach will learn from these mistakes and plan ahead.”

The biggest positive thing of the season (Positives for CSK)

Despite the embarrassing defeat and being out of the tournament, Simmons has expressed optimism about the future of the team. According to him, the biggest positive point of this season is that the balance within the team has improved and the players have started understanding their individual roles better.

Simmons said, “To win the IPL, it is very important that the balance of your team is right. This tournament has given us an opportunity to understand ourselves better as a unit, which will prove to be very beneficial for us in the future.”