There’s been no official confirmation yet on whether MS Dhoni will return for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2026, but the signs are encouraging. At 44 years old, Dhoni may be approaching the twilight of his career, yet the possibility of one more season remains very much alive.
In the 2025 season, the CSK legend played all matches and even stepped back into the captain’s role after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out mid-season. He scored 196 runs with a strike rate of 135.17 and an average of 24.50, showing he still has plenty to offer.
If Dhoni does decide to lace up for one more IPL campaign, he could shatter some major records. Here are three milestones he is within touching distance of in IPL 2026.
1. Oldest Player to Score a Fifty in IPL History
Dhoni will be 44 years and 9 months old by the time IPL 2026 begins, and if he manages to score a half-century, he will become the oldest player to hit a 50+ score in the tournament’s history.
The current record is held by Adam Gilchrist, who scored 85* in 2013 at 41 years and 181 days. Dhoni’s last IPL fifty came back in March 2022 against Kolkata Knight Riders, when he was 40 years and 262 days old.
Breaking this record would be another testament to Dhoni’s longevity and adaptability, especially in a format known for its high demands.
2. Third Player to Score 5,000 IPL Runs for One Franchise
Another significant milestone within Dhoni’s reach is the 5,000-run mark for CSK. Only Virat Kohli (8,661 for RCB) and Rohit Sharma (5,876 for MI) have achieved this feat with a single team in IPL history.
Dhoni currently has 4,865 runs in 248 matches for CSK, with an impressive average of 39.23 and a strike rate close to 140. That means he is just 135 runs away from joining this elite club. If fit and available, this record seems more a matter of when than if.
Bonus Milestone: First Wicketkeeper With 50 Stumpings in IPL
Even at 44, Dhoni’s reflexes behind the stumps remain razor-sharp. With 47 stumpings and 158 catches, he holds the record for most wicketkeeping dismissals in IPL history (205 total).
Just three more stumpings will make him the first wicketkeeper to reach 50 stumpings in the IPL — a number that may never be matched. For context, the next closest active player is Rishabh Pant, who has 24 stumpings so far.
