CSK CEO Confirms MS Dhoni’s Availability for IPL 2026

MS Dhoni batting as low as no. 9 during the 2025 IPL season, frequently raised doubts about his fitness and form, frustrating many fans and pundits.

CSK CEO Confirms MS Dhoni’s Availability for IPL 2026

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed MS Dhoni's availability for 2026 IPL season. (via RevSportz)

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Ending speculation around MS Dhoni’s future in the IPL, Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed that the veteran will be available to play in the upcoming 2026 season. This decision comes just ahead of the IPL retention window.

A legend of the game, MS Dhoni reigns as the face of the Men in Yellow, having played for the team since its inception. He led CSK to five IPL titles, and second-placed finishes on five occasions, making him one of the competition’s most decorated players. Also the third-highest run-getter in the IPL with a tally of 5,439 runs, Dhoni however, has seen his stakes fall over the past few seasons, only playing as a lower-order finisher. 

The 2025 IPL season was a rather forgettable one for the 44-year-old and Chennai Super Kings, as the team finished at the bottom of the standings for the first time. MSD did not fare well with the bat, scoring only 196 runs in 14 matches. The wicket-keeping legend also took over as captain midway through the season, following Ruturaj Gaikwad’s season-ending injury, but failed to transform the team’s fortunes.

At the end of a dismal 2025 IPL campaign, the debate over MS Dhoni’s future emerged once again, with many urging him to retire, given his poor batting form, and his persistent struggles with knee and back issues. Despite the speculation, it has come to light that the former Indian captain is willing to continue playing in the 2026 IPL season, with the confirmation coming straight from the franchise’s CEO, Kasi Viswanathan. 

Like Dhoni, Viswanathan has also been a part of CSK since its inception, and is among the minds on the table at the auction. Speaking to Cricbuzz, he shared that Dhoni has conveyed his decision to the franchise, that he would be available to play in the IPL, the following year. The legendary captain will also be involved in the team’s restructuring, and is expected to attend a meeting with key members of the franchise before the November 15 retention deadline. 

MS [Dhoni] has told us that he will be available for the next season.

However, Dhoni will not continue as captain, given Gaikwad is now fully fit and eager to return to action in the IPL. Gaikwad’s captaincy record in the tournament has seen mixed returns, with the 28-year-old having guided CSK to eight victories in the 19 matches that he had led in.

CSK’s retention puzzle for IPL 2026, as Sanju Samson trade talks heat up 

The joint-most successful franchise in the IPL, CSK faces a major dilemma, ahead of the upcoming 2026 season. As the dates for finalizing the retentions for the new season come closer, there has been a lot of buzz surrounding the franchise’s rumored interest in Sanju Samson.

CSK retention Sanju Samson
CSK to announce retention list soon, as Sanju Samson trade talks heat up. (via Cricbuzz)

Expected to be busy in the 2026 IPL auction, Chennai Super Kings will be looking to execute a calculated retention-release strategy. Their focus will be on retaining key players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Shivam Dube and Khaleel Ahmed. Youngsters, including Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre, and Anshul Kamboj, are expected to keep their place in the side. 

However, their auction strategy might be significantly altered, should they proceed with their interest in signing ace India opener Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals. Several reports suggest that RR owner Manoj Badale has reopened discussions with teams for a potential trade deal for Samson. The keeper’s arrival would mean that Chennai Super Kings have a new opener as well as leader, in their ranks. 

Samson’s pursuit could however, face a setback, with RR having demanded one or two of CSK’s star players in a swap deal. A clearer path about the Kerala batter’s future will be clear on November 15, with Rajasthan Royals’ decision on retaining or not retaining him being crucial.

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