CSK bowling coach Eric Simons said only MS Dhoni can decide his IPL future, while praising the veteran’s batting form despite missing IPL 2026 through injury.
Chennai Super Kings bowling coach Eric Simons has addressed the growing speculation around MS Dhoni’s IPL future after CSK’s disappointing IPL 2026 campaign came to an end. The five-time champions crashed out of the playoffs race after suffering a massive 89-run defeat against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
Although CSK endured another poor season, much of the attention remained on Dhoni, who missed the entire tournament because of a calf and leg injury. Questions over whether the legendary wicketkeeper-batter will return for IPL 2027 have continued to dominate discussions among fans and experts.
Speaking after the defeat, Simons revealed that Dhoni had looked in exceptional touch during practice sessions despite being unable to play competitively this season.
“He has hit the ball so well. He obviously had a leg injury which made it very difficult for him to run. So, that’s why he couldn’t play. But in terms of hitting the ball in the nets, he’s hitting it as well as I’ve ever seen him hit it. But I keep saying this, only MS will know and MS will make the decision about when he’s ready and when he’s right.”
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CSK Coach Says Dhoni Will Decide In Team’s Best Interest
The former South Africa all-rounder made it clear that Dhoni would never continue playing merely for sentimental reasons. According to Simons, the former CSK captain will only return if he feels physically capable of contributing fully to the franchise.
“And I tell you what, if he knows he’s not, he won’t play, but if he is right, he will. He’ll make the decision in the best interest of the team and not for himself as an individual. But, it would be great to have him playing. It’s been great just having him around the unit,” Simons said.
Dhoni’s absence proved to be a huge setback for Chennai throughout IPL 2026, especially during pressure situations where his experience and finishing abilities were badly missed by the side.
CSK Find Positives Despite Another Early Exit
Despite failing to qualify for the playoffs for the third consecutive season since winning the IPL title in 2023, Simons insisted CSK had gained important insights about their squad during the campaign.
The bowling coach pointed to the emergence of young players like Kartik Tyagi and Urvil Patel as one of the major positives from the season. He suggested the franchise now has a clearer understanding of its squad balance and future direction.
“Someone like Kartik has come along magnificently this season. We know what he’s about. Urvil, we know what he’s about. We’ve come away from this tournament understanding ourselves as a unit better and that stands us in good stead,” the CSK bowling coach said.
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