Bad times test character: MS Dhoni on CSK's slump in IPL

MS Dhoni has commented on Chennai Super Kings' struggles over the last two IPL seasons. He believes that this will test the team's character. The former CSK captain also hinted at a possible return in IPL 2027.MS Dhoni comments on CSK's struggles in IPL. (PTI Photo)New Delhi,Oct 25, 2026 08:42 ISTChennai Super Kings have endured two difficult seasons in the Indian Premier League, but MS Dhoni believes the team's struggles can also serve as a test of character. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter acknowledged that CSK have not performed well in recent years and said the focus must now be on identifying areas of improvement and ensuring the team is better prepared for the challenges ahead.Speaking at a healthcare event in Bengaluru, Dhoni drew a parallel between the ups and downs of life and the challenges faced by a sporting team. The former India captain said CSK had always known that their successful run would eventually give way to difficult times, adding that a team's true character is revealed when results do not go its way.“The last two years, you know, we have struggled, and it's a fact. You know, there's no point shying away from the fact that RCB has done really, really well. And you know that that's how life is. You have good times, you have bad times, but you know how you come out of it, what are the things that you want to work on as a team, those are the crucial things,” Dhoni said.“Because, you know, when we are winning, we knew that there'll come a point when we'll start losing, and the real test of character is when you're not doing well.” CSK have struggled to maintain the consistency that made them one of the most successful teams in IPL history. Their recent difficulties have also coincided with a period of transition, with the franchise looking to rebuild after missing out on the playoffs in IPL 2026.MS DHONI ACKNOWLEDGES RCBDhoni acknowledged Royal Challengers Bengaluru's recent performances while accepting that CSK had fallen short over the same period. RCB, who have enjoyed sustained success in recent seasons, provided a point of comparison as Dhoni reflected on the contrasting fortunes of the two teams. The 45-year-old, however, stressed that CSK needed to concentrate on what they could control rather than dwell on their recent results. Keeping injuries at bay, ensuring that fit players remain available throughout the tournament and establishing clarity around individual roles were among the factors he identified as important to the team's improvement.“So, you know, RCB, consistently they have performed in the last couple of years, and, you know, we haven't done that in the last couple of years. So hopefully we'll try to keep the injuries out of the way, make sure that our fit players, you know, they are available throughout the tournament, and it makes life slightly easy, you know, when people understand their role and responsibility,” he said.IS MS DHONI RETIRING?Dhoni's comments on CSK's struggles came at a time when uncertainty continues to surround his own future in the IPL. The former India captain missed the entirety of the 2026 season because of calf issues, with his fitness and availability becoming major talking points as Chennai struggled to secure a playoff spot.At the Bengaluru event, Dhoni offered one of his clearest indications yet that he could consider playing another season. However, he stopped short of confirming his participation in IPL 2027, saying he would assess his physical condition and take a call before December.In his trademark humorous style, Dhoni put the responsibility on the doctors, saying their assessment would determine whether his body could withstand another demanding IPL campaign.“Doc, I will have to go through the test. You will have to give me the report, and then before December, I will have to see, you know, how strong I am to maybe play one more season,” Dhoni said, as quoted by ANI.He continued the analogy by describing himself as an old vehicle that would need to be kept in running condition for another year.“And if I am not, then, you know, you will have to make sure that you do everything right with me and make sure that this old vintage vehicle is running well on the road. So all the pressure is on them,” he added.CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has also indicated that the franchise remains hopeful of having Dhoni available for the next season. He said the final decision rests with the player, who generally informs the management of his plans when he arrives in Chennai.“It's a question you need to ask him. I also have to ask him. He informs us of his decision when he arrives in Chennai. I have a feeling that the chances of him continuing to play for CSK are there. He is still a player, you know,” Viswanathan said.CSK LOOK TO REBUILDThe uncertainty over Dhoni's future comes as CSK prepare for a period of change. After missing the playoffs in IPL 2026, the franchise has made changes to its backroom staff, with Stephen Fleming leaving his position as head coach and Zaheer Khan taking over.Dhoni, meanwhile, hopes the team can turn its recent struggles into an opportunity to improve. While he acknowledged the importance of results, he also pointed to the entertainment value of the contest, expressing the hope that CSK would return to Bengaluru for another closely fought game in 2027.“So we hope for another close one so that, you know, next time when we come over here, we can say that, OK, you know, 2027, we had another close game which was a lot of fun for the spectators, because at the end of the day, we are entertainers. You know, we come over here and entertain,” he said.For CSK, the immediate challenge will be to turn that outlook into results. Dhoni's message was clear: the team's recent struggles cannot be ignored, but how it responds to them will matter just as much as its past successes.- Ends