Dhoni hints at IPL 2027 return, says fitness will decide future

Dhoni keeps IPL 2027 door open, with fitness as the deciding factor

Will MS Dhoni return for another Indian Premier League season, or is the former India captain close to calling time on his career? The 45-year-old has offered a hint about his plans, but he has not confirmed whether he will play in IPL 2027.

Fitness test before December

Asked about his plans, Dhoni responded with humour while making clear that his fitness would decide the matter.

"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 then joked about the responsibility of keeping him fit for another season.

"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 added.

His comments suggest a decision could come before December. Dhoni missed the entire IPL 2026 season due to fitness issues, mainly related to his calf.

A reduced role, but still a record-breaker

Dhoni's role in the Chennai Super Kings batting line-up has gradually shrunk over the past few years. He has mostly batted in the final overs, aiming for quick runs and a glimpse of his trademark power-hitting.

Even with a smaller role, he remains one of the leading run-scorers in IPL history, with 5,439 runs in 278 matches at an average of 38.30. His record includes 24 half-centuries in 242 innings. As captain, he led CSK to five IPL titles and guided the franchise to two Champions League T20 titles.

CSK searching for former glory

CSK have struggled to match that success since Ruturaj Gaikwad took over as captain in 2024. The team finished at the bottom of the table in IPL 2025 and managed an eighth-place finish in IPL 2026. CSK last won the IPL title in 2023, when Dhoni was leading the side.