Simmons Says Dhoni’s IPL Future Remains Unclear After CSK’s Disappointing Season

AHMEDABAD, India — Chennai Super Kings bowling coach Eric Simmons said there is still no certainty over whether MS Dhoni will return for IPL 2027 after the former captain missed the entire 2026 season because of injury.

Simmons made the remarks after CSK ended another disappointing campaign with an 89-run loss to the Gujarat Titans. The defeat confirmed the five-time champions’ elimination before the playoffs for the third consecutive season. CSK finished IPL 2026 with six wins from 14 matches.

Simmons said Dhoni’s absence had a major impact on the team, but added that discussions about the veteran wicketkeeper-batter’s future would happen later.

“MS Dhoni is someone whose presence automatically changes the balance and confidence of the side. Naturally, when a player of that stature misses an entire season, it leaves a huge gap. At this stage, there’s still no certainty around whether he will play IPL 2027. Those conversations will happen in due course, but right now the focus is on understanding where we went wrong this season and how we improve as a unit,” Simmons said at a post-match press conference.

Simmons said CSK would still take lessons from a season in which several young and inexperienced players were given opportunities. Anshul Kamboj was one of the bright spots for the team, taking 21 wickets in 14 matches to finish as CSK’s leading wicket-taker.

“I think each player goes away with something to work on. As a bowling coach, I put reports together for each guy to go for the next nine months to come back as an improved player, like we saw Anshul (Kamboj) come back from last season,” he said.

The former South Africa bowling coach said one positive from the season was that CSK gained a better understanding of its squad depth and younger players.

“We know ourselves a lot better as a unit, and we also know a lot of the individuals better, as to what they can and can’t do. Someone like Kartik has come along magnificently this season. We know what he’s about. Obviously, the established players, we’ve always known who they were and what they are,” Simmons said. (Source: IANS)