CSK confirm Dhoni will play IPL 2026

MS Dhoni is not done with the IPL and the India cricket great is certain to feature in the next season of the league for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The confirmation to the effect has come from the franchise itself, with CEO Kasi Viswanathan telling Cricbuzz, "that's right," even as information has emerged that Sanju Samson trade issue is back on the CSK table.

Viswanathan, who has been with the franchise since its inception in 2008 - just like Dhoni himself - recently told a young fan about the CSK talisman's availability 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."

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.

The team did not perform too well last year, finishing at the bottom, with Dhoni himself leading the side in the absence of regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. It is possible that Dhoni may be looking to bow out on a high.

Dhoni has been with CSK for all but two seasons, when the Super Kings were suspended. If he does turn up next season, it will be his 17th season for the franchise and his 19th overall in the IPL, having been part of the league since the launch in 2008. He has featured in 248 matches for CSK, scoring 4,865 runs and leading the side to five 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.

This website can reveal that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals have re-established contact over a potential trade involving Samson, and it would not be a surprise if a top CSK player is included in the deal. RR owner Manoj Badale, who recently arrived in Mumbai from London, is learnt to be weighing all options and has opened channels of communication with several franchise managements, including Lucknow Super Giants, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals - besides, of course, Super Kings.

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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