Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) young batter Swastik Chikara believes that MS Dhoni will feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. There are speculations about MS Dhoni's participation in the upcoming edition of the cash-rich league, considering his age.
However, Dhoni, who captained the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the tournament, has refused to answer questions about his participation in the IPL 2026. Chikara, who was part of RCB in IPL 2025, reckons that MS Dhoni will be seen in action in IPL 2025, and he also recounted his first meeting with the legendary wicketkeeper-batter.
“It was a completely different feeling, Thala, for a reason. The reason is him, bro. I mean, he’s really a good person, I swear. Dhoni bhai is just Dhoni bhai. Yash bhaiya was also there and he was saying, ‘You’re talking as if you’ve known him for 10 years," Chikara said while speaking on the CricXtasy podcast.
“He’ll play, he’ll play, bro (IPL 2026). That man has so much energy. He’s very strong (Bahut jaan hai uss aadmi mein). He will play for sure. I don’t think he will retire anytime soon, in my opinion," Chikara said.
“We were laughing, joking, taking photos and having fun. The conversation was casual. He asked where I’m from and I said I live in a village. The chat was nice and relaxed. He said, ‘Good, you’re a desi guy,’ (Desi londa hai tu)," Chikara added.
In IPL 2025, Dhoni scored 196 runs in 13 matches at an average of 24.5 with a strike rate of 135.17. However, CSK had a forgettable outing in the IPL as the five-time champions managed to win just four matches in 14 outings, and ended 10th in 10 10-team tournament.
“It’s completely different, on the next level, I’m telling you. The atmosphere is just unique, both within the team and from the opposing team and also with the fans. In Mumbai, at first, they were chanting “Mumbai, Mumbai," and then suddenly it became “RCB, RCB," and then back to “Mumbai, Mumbai," Chikara said while speaking on MI-RCB and CSK-RCB matches.