MS Dhoni knows his end is near, CSK will have to move on: Mohammad Kaif

With the IPL 2027 retention deadline set for November 17, Chennai Super Kings face critical squad decisions. MS Dhoni, the former India captain, sat out the entire IPL 2026 season following calf, knee and thumb injuries, leaving his availability for the coming campaign in doubt. CSK have already moved to strengthen their options through a four-player trade with Sunrisers Hyderabad, acquiring Liam Livingstone and Jack Edwards while sending Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis to their counterparts.

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has weighed in on Dhoni's uncertain status and the franchise's strategic direction. Kaif highlighted how Dhoni has historically kept his plans private, making any public timeline unreliable. The veteran's pattern of appearing in practice sessions without playing matches during IPL 2026 added to the speculation, yet no formal retirement announcement has come.

"When has Dhoni ever opened his cards? So how can we say he will take a call in December? He might have said it now, but he will not. He missed games last year, but we would always see clips of him practising in the nets, which made us think he would play the next game, but he never did. And that went on," Kaif said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Kaif acknowledged the uncertainty that has surrounded Dhoni throughout the previous season, noting how even the presence of his parents at matches fuelled speculation about his final appearance. However, the former India batter stressed that no one can predict Dhoni's next move with certainty.

"The entire IPL passed, and he was not even ruled out as such. Even his parents had come, and it felt like it would be his last game. But no one knows about Dhoni. No one. So we will have to wait and watch. Although his end is near, everyone knows that. He himself knows it. But CSK will have to move on. And they have, in some way, by trading in Samson," he added.

Why is Livingstone key to CSK's plans?

CSK's acquisition of Livingstone for ₹6 crore and Edwards for ₹3 crore from Sunrisers Hyderabad represents a proactive squad refresh. The trade increases the franchise's overseas contingent to nine players, offering greater tactical flexibility for the upcoming season. Kaif believes the English batter will prove valuable given the evolving conditions at the Chennai venue.

"I feel CSK will also benefit from Livingstone. The pitch in Chennai has changed a bit now. Runs are being scored there too, and the role of spinners has reduced," Kaif said.

Kaif elaborated on Livingstone's potential role within CSK's bowling unit, noting that fast bowlers have gained prominence at the venue. The former India batter suggested that Livingstone's off-spin capability could complement the franchise's spin options while providing additional batting depth.

"Fast bowlers are also doing well there. So, if they want to play only two spinners, Livingstone can bowl off-spin along with Noor. He can also be effective against left-handers as an off-spinner if needed, as a finisher and someone who can bowl a few overs too," he added.

The retention window closes on November 17, with the IPL 2027 mini-auction scheduled for December 16. The franchise must finalise its squad composition and resolve Dhoni's status before the deadline. Until then, uncertainty will persist around whether the legendary captain will feature in the coming season or whether CSK's transition will be complete.