[Watch] “Ghutne ka dard” – MS Dhoni’s Cheeky Reply to Fan Asking Him to Play IPL 2026
MS Dhoni keeps fans guessing on IPL 2026 return, jokes about knee pain after fan urges him to play another season.
The big question for Chennai Super Kings fans is simple: will MS Dhoni play in IPL 2026? With the tournament still seven months away, speculation is already in full swing.
Dhoni has been dealing with knee pain for years, yet he has continued to put CSK first. However, after the team finished last in IPL 2025, many wonder if the 43-year-old will return for one more season as a player.
Speaking at a recent event, Dhoni said he hasn’t made up his mind.
“I don’t know whether I’ll play or not. I have time to decide. I have some time until December, so I’ll take another couple of months, and then finally, I can make my decision,” he told the host.
That’s when a fan shouted, “You have to play, sir.” Dhoni, with his trademark wit, replied, “Arre, ghutne me jo dard hota hai uska take care kaun karega?” (The pain I have in my knees, who will take care of that?).
The veteran underwent knee surgery right after CSK’s IPL 2023 title win over Gujarat Titans. For the past two seasons, he has batted lower in the order, a move influenced by his reduced running speed between the wickets after surgery.
In IPL 2025, Dhoni returned as stand-in captain when Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered a hairline fracture mid-season. But even his leadership couldn’t prevent CSK from finishing at the bottom of the table.
Dhoni and Gaikwad have recently held meetings with CSK officials in Chennai to plan for next year. Reports suggest Ravichandran Ashwin, who managed only seven wickets in nine matches this season, has asked to leave the franchise.
