Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer Akash Madhwal has said that MS Dhoni will play in IPL 2027, describing the 45-year-old wicketkeeper-batter as ‘seriously very fit’ and noting that Dhoni did not miss a single practice session during IPL 2026.
Madhwal joined CSK during IPL 2026 as an injury replacement and observed Dhoni closely throughout the season. Dhoni himself did not play a single match in IPL 2026, having been sidelined initially with a calf strain and later suffering a thumb injury. CSK finished eighth in the IPL 2026 standings, winning six of their 14 games.
“It is his call whether he plays or not. But as much as I have seen him, he is seriously very fit. Since I joined CSK, he hasn’t missed a single practice session. In every practice session, he would give 100% effort. He would bat really well. Because I am a fan of his, I watch him a lot. So, we would stand in the nets just to watch him bat, and it felt so privileged to see him playing live. So, there’s nothing like that. I feel that he will 100% play next year; he will definitely play,” Madhwal said during an interaction with Sports Tak.
What did Madhwal say about Dhoni’s presence in the CSK dressing room?
Beyond Dhoni’s physical fitness, Madhwal also spoke about the impact the former India captain has on younger players inside the CSK dressing room. According to Madhwal, Dhoni’s calm and approachable manner made it easy for players to seek guidance, and his presence alone created a positive environment for the squad.
“You also know that his presence alone is a very big thing. To be in a dressing room, and if you are in that dressing room, being a part of it is a huge deal. Brother is very approachable. He stays very calm. Whenever you want to ask anything, you can just go and talk to him. He will give you a solution for everything. He will sit you down and talk comfortably. He will listen to everything you have to say. He will give you a complete answer. Just his presence was very positive for us in that environment. It was very easy,” he added.
What did Madhwal say about the CSK team environment overall?
Madhwal also reflected on the broader culture at CSK, describing the franchise management as creating a relaxed atmosphere where the only expectation placed on players is to perform on the field. He indicated that Dhoni reinforced this mindset by encouraging players to focus on their own mental state rather than external pressures.
“I highly rate the CSK management. It is a very chill environment. You don’t feel any pressure about anything. The only pressure is that you have to perform. It’s just that if you are playing, you have to perform. He didn’t really focus much on that either. He would just say to stay in your state of mind, perform, and nothing else,” Madhwal said.
