At a recent private function, the Chennai Super Kings legend provided fans a humorous moment despite the uncertainty surrounding his future in the Indian Premier League.
The 2011 World Cup-winning captain made it clear on the occasion that no decision had been made as of yet. “I don’t know whether I’ll play or not. I have time to decide. I have some time until December, so I’ll take another couple of months, and then finally, I can make my decision,” Dhoni remarked, leaving the possibility of playing in the new season open.
“Ghutne mein jo dard rehta hai uska take care kaun karega? (Who will take care of the pain in my knees?)” was Dhoni’s customary witty response to a fan’s plea for him to participate in the 2026 season.
Since he helped CSK win the IPL in 2023 despite playing through pain, Dhoni’s knee issues have been a persistent topic of conversation. He had surgery in Mumbai shortly after the final, which has affected his batting position and pace between wickets ever since.
Due to Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury, Dhoni returned to the captaincy in the middle of the 2025 season, but CSK finished as one of the worst teams with just four victories in 14 games.
Although there is currently no formal word regarding his involvement in the 2026 Indian Premier League, Dhoni has given Gaikwad his blessing to assume leadership once more.
Fans of CSK can only hope that their “Thala” can decide that the knees can wait another year for the time being.
