'Stop all this foolishness. The Dhoni era is over': World Cup winner slams CSK for confusing fans with mixed signals

Chennai Super Kings’ disappointing IPL 2026 campaign has once again sparked fresh debate over the future of former captain MS Dhoni. After CSK were knocked out of the playoff race following their defeat against Gujarat Titans, former India captain and 1983 World Cup winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth criticised the management for creating confusion around Dhoni throughout the season.

This was the third straight season in which CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs. It was also the first IPL season in history where Dhoni did not play a single match. Despite that, CSK management and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad repeatedly suggested that Dhoni could return in the next game.

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After CSK’s elimination, Gaikwad once again avoided giving a clear answer on Dhoni’s future. He said the team would have to wait and see what Dhoni decides for next season. Over the last few years, Dhoni has continued to keep fans guessing about his retirement plans.

Srikkanth slams CSK management for fooling fans

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said the franchise should have been honest with the fans from the beginning instead of creating false hope with updates about Dhoni’s possible return. CSK's social media team kept posting videos and images of Dhoni practising in the nets throughout the season, giving fans hope that he might soon return.

“They kept saying he’ll be ready for the next match. After that, they’ll fool fans with some video of him in the nets. Then they kept saying he reinjured himself. They should first stop all this foolishness. Instead, you should have just said Dhoni is not going to play the entire season,” Srikkanth said on his channel as quoted by media outlets.

He added that fans would have accepted the situation if the team management had clearly announced that Dhoni would miss the full season. “To be honest, nobody is missing Dhoni in the matches. They only ask why he’s not there in the dressing room. But other than that, nobody is asking why he’s not playing in the matches. The Dhoni era is over,” he added.

The 44-year-old has struggled with fitness issues in recent seasons, but he still remains the biggest face of the franchise because of his massive fan following and long association with CSK. However, reports have also claimed that Dhoni could end his 18-year partnership with the franchise after IPL 2026 amid rumours of differences with the management.

However, many former players and fans believe Dhoni should now move into a mentoring or coaching role instead of returning as a player, allowing younger cricketers to get more opportunities in the IPL.