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MS Dhoni to play IPL 2026? Photograph: (X)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are more or less out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The five-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Friday meant that CSK are now rooted bottom of the table with four points from nine games. Former CSK star Ambati Rayudu has potentially spilt the beans on MS Dhoni’s chance of playing in the IPL next year.
Speaking on Jio Hotstar, Rayudu hinted that Dhoni could be looking at building a new team for the next season. The former CSK star said, “I know it's the lowest of lows, but it's also a great learning for CSK. If you rest on your laurels and don't keep an eye on the future, this is what can happen. From here on, they'll be very, very vigilant about evolving with the game”
Ambati Rayudu went on to add, “Even MS Dhoni has acknowledged that the game has moved on, and I'm sure he's already thinking about building a team for next year. We've seen some shining lights in the batting line-up, particularly Brevis and Mhatre; those are real positives. Sometimes, it takes a season like this to ground a team and remind them that the game is always bigger than us. You have to stick to the basics and stay humble”
Massive changes in the offing according to Ambati Rayudu
Former India and CSK batter Rayudu, during his chat on Jio Hotstar, said that there could be massive changes in store next season. According to the 39-year-old, CSK could retain a handful of players ahead of the next Auction process.
“I don't think there's confusion in shot selection--if anything, there aren't enough shots being played. The batters are taking more time than they should. The change in personnel was needed, and what we're seeing now is more of a trial run for next season. I don’t think CSK can carry forward most of their current squad--at best, seven or eight players might be retained”
Dewald Brevis was the best batter for CSK as the youngster made 42 runs from 25 balls. Ayush Mhatre batted well to score a quick-fire 30 runs at the top of the order. MS Dhoni had indicated that he may not call quits on his IPL career after all. India’s former skipper had said that he will take a call at the end of the season during his appearance on a podcast.