Ahead of the Chennai Super Kings' final home game of the IPL 2026 season, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh made a strong plea to MS Dhoni, telling him that he would be keeping his word to the supporters by playing his career's last game at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. In order to fulfil his commitment, Harbhajan added that the former captain of CSK might return for the 2027 season if he doesn't play on Monday.
Due to a calf injury, Dhoni has missed all of this season's games. However, with CSK scheduled to play Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Monday, rumours of a potential farewell appearance have resurfaced.

Prior to the match, Harbhajan discussed Dhoni's long-standing relationship with Chennai and acknowledged that, considering the uncertainty surrounding the former India captain's future, the occasion felt meaningful.
He has previously stated that he wanted to play his last game versus Chennai in Chennai's stadium. Now that the moment has arrived, this is Chennai's final game. It's probable that this Chennai crowd would be witnessing Thala's farewell performance on Monday. Additionally, if he doesn't play, he will return the next year. "Next year, you'll see me playing my last match," he will then declare." On JioHotstar, Harbhajan stated, "You never know with him, but hopefully he will play."

After that, Harbhajan sent a poignant and hilarious letter to his former teammate, asking him to return to the pitch for the supporters.
"Dhoni, please just play tomorrow, brother. If not, I'll travel to your Chennai and, if necessary, bring you to the ground and invite you to play," he declared.
An already eagerly awaited evening at Chepauk, when fans are expected to show out in large numbers in the hopes of seeing "Thala" in CSK colours once more, has become even more emotional as a result of the remarks.
During the team's 2021 IPL triumph celebrations in Chennai, Dhoni himself had discussed the prospect of completing his T20 career there."My cricket has always been planned. Ranchi was the location of my most recent game. My hometown of Ranchi hosted the most recent ODI home match. I'm hoping that Chennai will host my final Twenty20 match. We don't really know if that would happen next year or in five years," Dhoni had stated.