Since he will undoubtedly play for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming season, former Indian captain MS Dhoni is not finished with the Indian Premier League (IPL). Fans have been reassured by the franchise’s CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, that Dhoni will be participating. According to rumors, the Sanju Samson trade talk has also come up again on CSK’s table, which could mean that off-season activities are happening.
Like Dhoni, Viswanathan has been a part of the team since its founding in 2008 and recently assured a young fan that the batsman-wicketkeeper star will play in the 2019 IPL season. As a reliable ally of the previous club owner N. Srinivasan, Viswanathan has played a significant part in CSK’s operations throughout the years, helping to keep the five-time champions successful and stable.
Viswanathan was quoted by Cricbuzz as saying, “Dhoni has informed us that he will be available for the next season.”
Before practically every season in recent years, there has been conjecture around the 44-year-old cricket player’s involvement in the IPL. But the ambiguity has finally been eliminated, at least for the 2026 edition, thanks to the CSK CEO’s confirmation. Dhoni led the team in the absence of regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad throughout the franchise’s dismal 2025 season, which ended at the bottom of the table. The general consensus is that Dhoni may want to end the season on a strong note.
With the exception of two seasons during which the team was suspended, Dhoni has been a byword for CSK. Having participated in the IPL since its establishment in 2008, he would be playing in his 17th season for CSK and his 19th overall if he makes an appearance in the upcoming season. In 248 games over the years, Dhoni has scored 4,865 runs and helped CSK win five IPL championships in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.
The renowned captain actively participates in CSK’s preparations for the next campaign. Prior to the retention deadline of November 15, Dhoni is anticipated to meet with important team personnel, including as head coach Stephen Fleming and CEO Gaikwad. The talks, which are set for November 10 and 11, are anticipated to conclude trade and retention decisions, including the ongoing trade negotiations with Samson.
Cricbuzz reports that the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and CSK have resumed talks about a possible deal involving Samson. A prominent CSK player might be part of the deal if it goes through, according to sources. RR owner Manoj Badale, who just moved to Mumbai from London, has been negotiating with a number of teams, including the Delhi Capitals (DC), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
It is thought that in order to determine whether the player involved in the agreement is willing to move to RR, CSK has already contacted him. In the upcoming days, more information about the deal and Dhoni’s future plans should become available.
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