Chennai Super Kings' legendary keeper-batter MS Dhoni could be prohibited from participating in IPL 2027 if he wishes to carry on in the following edition.
According to an unverified social media post, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to introduce a rule under which players aged 45 or above could be barred from playing in the lucrative tournament. Nevertheless, is there any truth to this claim?
Will BCCI introduce a rule that stops MS Dhoni from playing in IPL in 2027?
The Ranchi-born cricketer is arguably one of the legends when it comes to IPL. He is the custodian of several records, including being the most-capped player and the most-capped captain in the tournament history. Additionally, he is the wicketkeeper with most dismissals under his belt, affecting 201 of them that includes 37 stumpings. While Dhoni is highly unlikely to continue playing in the IPL in 2027 due to not only age but also lingering injuries, there is no verified source of the BCCI introducing a rule that prohibits the veteran from featuring in the 10-team tournament. He is currently 44 and will turn 45 on July 7.
When will MS Dhoni play in IPL 2026?
It's worth noting that the former Super Kings skipper is yet to play a game in IPL 2026 due to a calf strain he has been battling for a long time. Nevertheless, reports strongly suggest that Dhoni is likely to feature in the the Yellow Army's game against the Kolkata Knight Riders on April 14, Tuesday at the Chepuak. The Yellow Army have had a torrid start to their campaign, losing to the Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Their defeat against the Royal Challengers was most demoralising as the Super Kings conceded 250 for the very first time. Despite doing their best to chase down the target, they fell 43 runs short.
While Dewald Brevis is likely to return for the clash against the Delhi Capitals on Saturday, fans will have to wait for Dhoni's return at least until the 14th. The Capitals are also coming off a heartbreaking 1-run defeat to the Gujarat Titans.