The former Indian captain, MS Dhoni, is likely to feature in the Indian premier league (IPL) once again next season in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The team had made the announcement personally, and the CEO Kasi Viswanathan guaranteed the fans that Dhoni would be taking part. Moreover, it is mentioned that the issue of Sanju Samson trade has re-emerged on the CSK agenda, which suggests that there is a chance of off-season events.
Viswanathan, who joined the team with Dhoni in its inception in 2008, was recently confirmed by a teenage fan that the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman will be here in the 2018 IPL season. Viswanathan has spent several years in the management of CSK as a close associate of former team proprietor N. Srinivasan and a significant contributor to the stability and success of the five time champions.
“MS has told us that he will be available for the next season,” said Viswanathan as quoted by Cricbuzz.
The 44-year-old MS Dhoni will play in the 2026 IPL season, and end months of rumor about his future. The news that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO confirmed has relieved the fans who were in doubt whether Dhoni would go on with it. The season 2025 was a difficult one as CSK became the last in the standings. Dhoni who stood in for Ruturaj Gaikwad in his absence is said to be eager to play off on a high and lead his team back to winning ways next season.
Dhoni is the star of CSK since the start of the IPL, this being the only exception where the franchise was not active due to two seasons. In the event that he is playing in IPL 2026, then this will be his seventeenth season with CSK as well as his nineteenth season in the league. He has been a very productive player in the franchise and over the years has amassed 4,865 runs in 248 matches and has won the franchise five titles in the IPL- 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023. He leads the team and possesses the ability to focus on his team and to calm the situation, which is the reason CSK has been successful over the years.
MS Dhoni to Lead CSK’s Retention Talks as Franchise Explores Sanju Samson Trade
CSK also plans ahead of a new season through the involvement of the former India captain in their team. Prior to the November 15 player retention deadline, Dhoni should have meetings with CEO Kasi Viswanathan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and head coach Stephen Fleming. The discussions, which are scheduled on November 10 and 11, will assist in the finalization of retention and trade strategies to be used in IPL 2026. The possibility of trade with Sanju Samson is one of the key issues that will be discussed.
Reportedly, CSK and Rajasthan Royals are back in negotiations to transact a Samson deal. It is indicated that one of the CSK players could form a part of the exchange in case the negotiations would continue. RR owner Manoj Badale who is the latest to have entered Mumbai has been discussing several business prospects with franchises like Lucknow Super Giants, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals.
It is reported also that CSK has already contacted the player that could be involved in the trade to verify whether he is interested in playing with RR. Although they have not yet finalised it, the coming few days are likely to provide an insight into the state of trade and long-term intentions of Dhoni towards CSK. It is anticipated that the fans are impatiently waiting to be updated as the franchise seeks a rebuilding process after a dismal 2025 season.
