Chennai: Indian cricket legend MS Dhoni is expected to once again don the yellow jersey for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), confirmed CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan on Friday.
MS Dhoni, synonymous with CSK since the IPL’s inception in 2008, made a mid-season comeback as captain in the 2025 IPL after opening batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out due to an elbow injury. Despite the leadership change, CSK endured a challenging campaign, finishing at the bottom with just four wins from 14 matches.
“He is likely to play, that is the current status. We feel he will be part of the upcoming IPL,” Viswanathan told IANS, emphasizing Dhoni’s continued involvement with the team.
Apart from CSK’s suspension during the 2016 and 2017 seasons, Dhoni has been an ever-present figure in the franchise. The 2026 season will mark his 17th with CSK and his 19th overall in the IPL.
Over his illustrious IPL career, MS Dhoni has played 248 matches for CSK, scoring 4,865 runs and steering the team to five IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. Overall, he holds 5,439 runs in 278 matches with 158 catches and 47 stumpings to his name.
With the IPL retention deadline set for November 15, all eyes are on potential blockbuster trades. Speculation has swirled around Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson possibly moving to CSK or Delhi Capitals. However, Viswanathan has dismissed the likelihood of such a trade. “No, not likely, not likely,” he stated.
Further updates on player trades are expected in the coming days as IPL franchises finalize their squads.
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