MS Dhoni likely to play IPL 2025 [Source: AP Photos]
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes that MS Dhoni will be back playing in the IPL next year. Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket podcast, Clarke called Dhoni the true leader of Chennai Super Kings and said he really wants to see him in action again in IPL 2026.
Michael Clarke Predicts Dhoni’s IPL Future
While talking about big Indian stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Clarke mentioned,
“I think MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will play in next year's IPL. MS Dhoni is massive. Every time Chennai plays, even in away games, there are more Chennai fans than any other fan. Sponsors, they are there because of MS Dhoni. The fans, they are there because of MS Dhoni,” Clarke said.
He went on to say that Dhoni’s retirement would be a major blow for the team.
"He is the king of that franchise. They want him to keep playing and I dont think people realise the impact. When he decides to retire, it will be a huge loss to the franchise," he added.
The 2025 IPL season wasn’t great for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). They were the first team to be knocked out of the playoff race and finished last on the points table. Out of 14 matches, they only won four. Things got worse mid-season when their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad got injured.
Due to Ruturaj’s elbow injury, MS Dhoni stepped in and led the team again. Interestingly, this was the first time Dhoni played as an uncapped player in the IPL, taking the role of wicket-keeper and captain once more.
After CSK’s final match of the season, Dhoni didn’t give a clear answer about whether he would return in 2026. But he did say he was in no rush to make a decision and would think it over during the year, leaving fans hopeful.