In a historic low for the franchise, CSK finished at the bottom of the IPL standings for the very first time in 2025. Even more shocking? MS Dhoni arguably the face of the franchise had one of his worst seasons with the bat, scoring just 196 runs in 13 innings. With his declining form and CSK’s disappointing run, questions are flying: Is this the end of the road for Dhoni?
What Michael Clarke Said:
Australian cricket legend Michael Clarke doesn’t think so. Speaking on his YouTube channel Beyond23 Cricket, Clarke made a bold claim: Michael Clarke predicts that Dhoni, along with Kohli and Rohit, will feature in IPL 2026, pointing out that Dhoni’s presence is the driving force behind both the fan frenzy and major sponsorships.Clarke described Dhoni as the undisputed face of CSK, warning that his retirement would leave a significant void in the team.
How MS Dhoni Matters to CSK
MS Dhoni is not just a player for CSK he is the heartbeat of the franchise. Under his captaincy, CSK evolved into one of the most dominant and celebrated teams in IPL history. Beyond his tactical genius on the field, Dhoni is the symbol of loyalty, consistency, and resilience.
- Leadership Legacy: Dhoni has led CSK to five IPL titles, which is tied for the most in league history, cementing his place as a champion leader.
- Fan Power: CSK’s fanbase is built around Dhoni’s charisma. The yellow army as his fans are called can be spotted in stadiums across India, cheering passionately for the captain.
- Brand Value: The CSK franchise itself thrives on Dhoni’s popularity. Sponsors are drawn to the franchise thanks to his massive appeal, making him an irreplaceable asset for the team.His presence alone guarantees excitement, even if his form dips, and his retirement will leave a void no other player can fill.
Also read: Complete List of Awards Won by MS Dhoni – Padma Bhushan to ICC Hall of Fame
What This Means for Chennai Super Kings
Despite an underwhelming season in 2025, Dhoni remains the emotional heartbeat and commercial powerhouse of the Chennai Super Kings. All five of the franchise’s IPL championships tied for the most in the league came under his captaincy.
With CSK finishing last, the team clearly lacked its usual spark. Could Dhoni’s presence in the dugout if not in peak form on the field still inspire a turnaround in 2026? Sponsors, fans, and even young players look up to him, not just as a cricketer but as a brand and mentor.
So Will He or Won’t He?
As of now, Dhoni hasn’t made any official announcement about IPL 2026. But if Clarke’s intuition is right, we might still see “Thala” walk out in yellow one more time perhaps not for runs, but for legacy, loyalty, and leadership.
“There is no escaping the fact that I am in the last phase of my career. After this IPL gets over, I have to work hard for another 6–8 months to see if my body can take this pressure,”
Dhoni was heard saying these statements in a post match presentation,Until the official word drops, CSK fans can only hope the Dhoni era isn’t over.
Written by RITESH SINGH
