The future of MS Dhoni in the Indian Premier League (IPL) remains uncertain as he missed the entire IPL 2026 season due to a calf injury. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad addressed questions regarding Dhoni's potential return for IPL 2027 after CSK's disappointing campaign, which ended with a loss to Gujarat Titans, eliminating them from playoff contention. Gaikwad stated, "Even I'll get to know it next year itself," highlighting the ambiguity surrounding Dhoni's future with the team.

CSK's performance this season was lackluster, finishing with 6 wins and 8 losses, and a net run rate of -0.345. The team struggled with injuries and a lack of experienced players, which Gaikwad noted affected their performance. He mentioned that the team had a promising start with three consecutive wins but faltered due to injuries and poor execution in crucial matches. Despite the setbacks, Gaikwad expressed pride in the young players who gained valuable experience throughout the season, stating, "It's good to have that exposure for them." As the team looks towards the next season, the uncertainty of Dhoni's involvement looms large, leaving fans eager for updates.