Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: The love fans have for MS Dhoni is no secret. The cheers, noise, hoots, and chants of “Dhoni! Dhoni!” are inevitable every time he makes an appearance — and it was no different when he walked onto the stage. Beyond the excitement, fans continue to hope to see the 44-year-old feature in every IPL season.As the event began, one question was on everyone’s mind: will Dhoni retire after IPL 2026? The former captain, who led Chennai Super Kings to five titles, offered a subtle hint.
Hosting the event, Sivakarthikeyan asked: “Are you going to retire? But you said “definitely not”. An And expect the same answer every year. You can play till you turn 60.”With a smile, Dhoni replied: “It’s very difficult”.Sivakarthikeyan added: “With your fitness, it’s easy I think”.“It is very difficult. It is on the way down, not on the way up. But I will try,” Dhoni said.Dhoni’s “I will try” response was met with thunderous applause, as the crowd erupted in excitement.An elated Sivakarthikeyan then said, “we have got the answer”.Dhoni has led CSK to five IPL titles — 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.CSK will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
