MS Dhoni Confirmed for IPL 2026: CSK CEO Ends Speculation

MS Dhoni isn’t done with the IPL yet. The India cricket legend will definitely play in the next season for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The team confirmed this through CEO Kasi Viswanathan, who told Cricbuzz, “That’s right.”

At the same time, talks about a possible trade for Sanju Samson are back on CSK’s agenda. Viswanathan, who has been with the team since it started in 2008 just like Dhoni, recently shared with a young fan that the CSK captain will be available for the upcoming season.

On Friday, he reiterated the point to this website, saying, "MS has told us that he will be available for the next season."

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MS Dhoni Wicketkeeper

MS Dhoni is an Indian cricketer known for his time with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he served as captain and led the team to five IPL titles.

CSK Confirms Dhoni for IPL 2026

Like Dhoni, Viswanathan has been the backbone of the five-time champions, besides being a close confidant of N Srinivasan, the franchise owner. While Dhoni's (44) participation in the IPL has been a recurring question ahead of a season for the last few years, the CSK CEO's confirmation should put an end to the speculation for at least the 2026 edition.

Last year wasn’t great for the team, as they ended up at the bottom of the table. Dhoni led the side in place of the regular captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and it looks like he might be aiming to finish on a high note. Dhoni has been with CSK for almost every season, except for the two when the team was suspended.

Dhoni’s Next Season and CSK-Samson Trade Talks

If he plays next season, it will be his 17th season with the Super Kings and his 19th in the IPL overall, since he has been part of the league since it began in 2008. Over the years, he has played 248 matches for CSK, scored 4,865 runs, and guided the team to five IPL titles, in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.

Dhoni has been involved in the planning for next season and, ahead of the November 15 retention deadline, is expected to hold consultations with other key franchise personnel, including Viswanathan, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, and coach Stephen Fleming. A meeting among them is likely to take place on November 10 and 11, when a final decision will be made. By then, the franchise also will know the Samson trade possibility.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals have started talking again about a possible trade involving Sanju Samson. It wouldn’t be surprising if a top CSK player is part of the deal. RR owner Manoj Badale, who recently flew in from London to Mumbai, is exploring all options.

He has also opened discussions with other teams, including Lucknow Super Giants, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals, in addition to CSK. A top CSK player is believed to be on the table, and it is learnt that a word has been sent to the player to check if he is comfortable moving to Rajasthan Royals. The situation is expected to be clearer in the next few days.

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