Is MS Dhoni retiring? Emotional CSK vs SRH moments, Ashwin-Raina hints go viral | WATCH

Chennai: Retirement speculation around MS Dhoni intensified once again after the Chennai Super Kings icon was seen soaking in the atmosphere at Chepauk during CSK’s final home game of IPL 2026 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. With Dhoni missing the entire season due to injury and his old statement about wanting his final T20 game to be in Chennai resurfacing online, many fans feared the emotional scenes could signal the end of an era.

Dhoni, who has not played a single match in IPL 2026 because of a calf strain, was present at the MA Chidambaram Stadium during the CSK vs SRH clash on Monday. Cameras repeatedly captured him quietly observing the crowd, acknowledging fans and appearing emotional as Chepauk erupted in chants for the former CSK captain.

The visuals quickly went viral across social media, with fans linking them to Dhoni’s famous 2021 remark where he had said he hoped his final T20 match would be played in Chennai.

“I have always planned my cricket. The last game I played was in Ranchi. The last home game in ODI was at my hometown in Ranchi. So, hopefully, my last T20 will be in Chennai,” Dhoni had said during Chennai Super Kings’ IPL title celebrations in 2021.

As CSK played their final home fixture of the campaign, speculation over a possible retirement announcement grew stronger among supporters at Chepauk and online.

Amid the growing buzz, R Ashwin posted a cryptic message on X that many fans believed was linked to Dhoni’s future.

“Not happening today! In 2027? Maybe. Don’t think any batting changes will happen. Akeal Hosein in?” Ashwin posted.

While Ashwin did not directly mention Dhoni, the timing of the post triggered massive discussion among CSK fans, many interpreting it as a sign that the legendary wicketkeeper-batter may not retire yet.

Adding to the curiosity, Suresh Raina also hinted that Dhoni could return next season despite concerns over his fitness.

Speaking on Star Sports, Raina revealed details of his conversation with Dhoni.

“I told him ‘you have given IPL 2026 a missed call. It won’t count. You have to come back next year’. He said ‘my body is a little weak’. I said ‘we are not believing anything. You have to play next year’,” Raina said.

Raina added that the final decision remains Dhoni’s personal call but suggested that the former India captain remains positive.

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings suffered a five-wicket defeat against SRH at Chepauk, leaving their IPL 2026 playoff hopes hanging by a thread. CSK will now face Gujarat Titans in their final league match on May 21.