‘Old vintage vehicle’: MS Dhoni hints at IPL return, says decision will come before December

Former India captain MS Dhoni has hinted that he could decide on his Indian Premier League (IPL) future before December, as he assesses whether he is fit enough to play another season.

Dhoni, who missed the entire IPL 2026 season due to fitness issues, primarily involving his calf, spoke about his future at a healthcare event in Bengaluru.

Asked whether he wanted to play another season, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) veteran responded with humour, saying he would need to undergo medical tests before making a decision.

“Doc, I will have to go through the test. You will have to give me the report, and then before December, I will have to see, you know, how strong I am to maybe play one more season,” Dhoni said.

He added that if he was not fit enough, the medical team would have to help him recover.

“And if I am not, then, you know, you will have to make sure that you do everything right with me and make sure that this old vintage vehicle is running well on the road. So all the pressure is on them,” he said.

Dhoni's role in CSK has evolved

Dhoni's role in the CSK batting line-up has gradually changed in recent years, particularly during the latter half of the 2020s. The wicketkeeper-batter has increasingly been used in the closing overs to provide quick runs through his trademark power-hitting.

Despite the reduced role, Dhoni remains one of the most successful batters in IPL history. He is seventh on the tournament's all-time run-scorers' list, with 5,439 runs at an average of 38.30. His record includes 24 half-centuries in 242 innings across 278 matches.

As captain, Dhoni led CSK to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies. The franchise last won the IPL under his leadership in 2023.

CSK struggle under Ruturaj Gaikwad

Since Ruturaj Gaikwad took over the CSK captaincy in 2024, the team has struggled to replicate its earlier success. CSK finished last in the 2025 season and ended the 2026 campaign in eighth place.

Dhoni's potential return for another season could therefore be a major talking point for the franchise and its supporters. However, his comments suggest that any decision will depend on his fitness and the results of medical assessments before December.   

ANI