Uncertainty Surrounds MS Dhoni's IPL Future as CSK Prepares for Final Match

CSK Assistant Coach Comments on Dhoni's Future

Sridharan Sriram, the assistant coach for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has indicated that the team is still in the dark regarding MS Dhoni's future in the Indian Premier League (IPL). With their last league match against Gujarat Titans scheduled for Sunday, May 25, in Ahmedabad, there has been no official announcement from the seasoned wicketkeeper-batter.

As CSK nears the end of their 2025 season, speculation about Dhoni's retirement has grown. However, Dhoni himself has stated that he has yet to make a decision and will take the next eight months to evaluate his feelings before committing to IPL 2026.

During a pre-match press conference, Sriram admitted that there is no clear information about Dhoni's intentions within the team.

When asked about the possibility of Dhoni retiring, Sriram responded, "As far as I know, there’s no update. I genuinely don’t know what he’s planning."

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Dhoni, Sriram noted that CSK's leadership group, which includes head coach Stephen Fleming and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, is united in understanding the challenges faced this season and the necessary steps to improve.

He remarked, "The positive is that Fleming, MS, and Ruturaj all have a strong understanding of the issues we’ve faced. They’re clear on the direction we need to take from here, and that’s a big plus."

Addressing the Team's Struggles

CSK's performance this season has not met expectations, and while the middle order has been criticized, Sriram believes the issues are more complex.

He stated, "Everyone knows this season hasn’t gone how we hoped. It’s not just about the middle order. It’s about how we played as a unit throughout the season and the outcomes we’ve seen. So I think it’s unfair to point to any one area in particular."