'You have to come back next year' - Suresh Raina reveals chat with MS Dhoni amid retirement rumours

Published - 19 May 2026, 09:41 IST | Updated - 19 May 2026, 09:52 IST

Former Chennai Super Kings cricketer Suresh Raina has spilled the beans on whether MS Dhoni has another year of playing in the IPL (Indian Premier League) left in him. During the Match 63 of IPL 2026 between CSK and SRH at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on May 18, there were rumours that it might be the last appearance of Dhoni in the league. However, Dhoni was not a part of the XI and warmed the bench.

After the match Raina met Dhoni on the field and had a chat with the legendary cricketer. The cricketer-turned-commentator later revealed that he had asked Dhoni to come back for the tournament next year as well, as he remained injured for the entirety of the 2026 season, with only one more league-stage match remaining. Dhoni, however, told his ex-CSK and India teammate that he can take a call only if the body is fit.

“I told MS Dhoni ‘you have given IPL 2026 a missed call. It won’t count. You have to come back next year’. He said ‘nahi yaar, body thoda waisa hai (my body is a little weak)’. I said ‘we are not believing anything. You have to play next year’. It’s his personal call. I think he is positive. The team is also gelling well again,” Raina told Star Sports during the post-match show.