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It looks like the former Chennai Super Kings legend Suresh Raina is adamant that MS Dhoni should play in IPL 2026 as more retirement talks continue after their defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad at Chepauk which was a special and emotional occasion.

Speaking on Star Sports after the match he confirmed that he had spoken to Dhoni about his participation in the next tournament earlier that day.

Raina said : 

"I told him you have missed a call from 2026 IPL. Your next year's call won't be counted. So you have to play next year."

He told me 'my body is a bit weaker'.

I said that we're not going to listen. You have to play next year. That is up to MS Dhoni's call. I think he is positive.

These words come after an emotional evening at the M.A. Chidambaram stadium as it was unclear if their talisman Dhoni may be playing his last game at Chepauk in the yellow shirt of CSK.

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Although he wasn't picked to play in today's game due to injury concerns it was his presence that was on everybody's mind throughout the evening.

During the interval Dhoni was invited to join CSK for the team photo. His entry on to the pitch saw the Chennai faithful leap to their feet and start applauding as fans in the stadium were clearly wondering whether this could be the last time Dhoni played at Chepauk.

Later on winning the game after completing five-wicket victory against CSK that confirms SRH a place in next year's tournament he completed a lap of honor around the stadium with his teammates.

Although there was no announcement about his retirement, no farewell speeches, a tense and emotional atmosphere hung in the stadium as Dhoni slowly jogged around the boundary and gave a wave to the supporters who stayed long after SRH had been confirmed playoff winners.

As 44-year old Dhoni struggles with his fitness the questions about whether he will represent CSK again next year continue to grow as he has missed games already this season and is yet to confirm his participation in 2026.

On the field, SRH put on a dominating display that was more than enough to book their spot in the play-offs. The brilliant Ishan Kishan (70 runs) and Heinrich Klaasen (47 runs) were crucial in chasing 181, while Pat Cummins took 3-28 during CSK's innings which left them struggling at 180/7.

Their victory means that Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans are now qualified for the 2026 playoffs.

Despite their poor performance tonight CSK can still qualify for the playoff rounds of this competition if they win their last game but even then they will rely on other results to go their way.

Still, as the match drew to a close, there was one burning question on the minds of all CSK fans  can they expect to see MS Dhoni representing their side next year?