Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed on Friday that M.S. Dhoni will continue to play for the franchise in the IPL 2026 season, putting an end to months of speculation about his retirement.
“MS has told us that he will be available for the next season,” Viswanathan said, assuring CSK fans that their iconic captain will return for another year.
Dhoni was retained by CSK as an “uncapped player” ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction after a new rule allowed Indian players who haven’t played international cricket for five years to be listed as uncapped.
The 44-year-old legend has been part of CSK for nearly his entire IPL career, except for the two seasons when the franchise was suspended. The IPL 2026 season will mark his 17th year with CSK and 19th overall in the league.
Dhoni has featured in 248 matches for CSK, amassing 4,865 runs and leading the team to five IPL titles — in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.
CSK endured a difficult campaign in IPL 2025, finishing at the bottom of the points table for the first time. After Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury mid-season, Dhoni had to step back into the captaincy role but was unable to reverse the team’s poor form. His batting position — including a couple of appearances at No. 9 — became a major talking point throughout the season.
Samson-CSK Trade Talks Resume
Meanwhile, trade discussions have resumed between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals over Sanju Samson, according to a report by Cricbuzz.
Samson, who reportedly wants to leave Rajasthan, has drawn interest from CSK and Delhi Capitals. The report suggests that a top CSK player could be involved in a potential swap deal.
Rajasthan Royals owner Manoj Badale has reportedly opened talks with multiple franchises, including Lucknow Super Giants, Kolkata Knight Riders, CSK, and Delhi Capitals.
Sources indicate that CSK has already spoken to one of its senior players about a possible move to the Royals. Further clarity is expected before the November 15 retention deadline, with the IPL 2026 mini-auction set for December.
