Swastik Chikara’s Big Prediction On MS Dhoni: ‘He Will Play For Sure…' – News18

Star Uttar Pradesh batter Swastik Chikara has stated that MS Dhoni is not going to retire anytime soon, adding that the latter will definitely play in IPL 2026. The youngster also narrated how he spent some quality time with Dhoni during the IPL 2025 match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Chikara was part of the Bengaluru team that won the IPL 2025 title under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar.
Chikara appeared on a podcast with CricXtasy, released on Sunday, September 7, where he recounted his first meeting with Dhoni.
“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 podcast.

Chikara said that he believes that Dhoni will play in IPL 2026, noting that the latter still looks strong, full of energy and might not retire anytime soon.
“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.
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In IPL 2025, Dhoni scored 196 runs in 13 matches at an average of 24.5 with a strike rate of 135.17.
“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.
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