CSK CEO hopeful of MS Dhoni's IPL return despite missing entirety of last season
Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan believes that there is more cricket left in the legendary MS Dhoni. The CSK talisman, now 45 years of age, did not play a single match in the Indian Premier League earlier this year due to multiple injury concerns. However, the team CEO feels that Dhoni will try his best to play one last season for the Chennai-based team.
Asked about Dhoni’s status in the CSK side ahead of the upcoming IPL auction, Kasi told the local media in Chennai that the decision to play or not to play was one that the franchise left entirely to the former India captain. He added that the process had been the same for some time, with Dhoni informing the team of his decision when he arrives in Chennai.
“It’s a question you need to ask him. I also have to ask him. He informs us of his decision when he arrives in Chennai. I have a feeling that the chances of him continuing to play for CSK are there. He is still a player, you know,” Kasi Viswanathan said.
Dhoni did not feature in a single match in IPL 2026, a season that many had expected to be his farewell campaign. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter remained with the team for most of the tournament, however, participating in training sessions and offering support from the dugout as CSK struggled through a difficult transition.
DHONI STILL AN IMPORTANT PRESENCE AT CSK
Amid criticism, former CSK head coach Stephen Fleming had defended Dhoni’s non-playing role towards the end of the season, stressing that the former captain remained an important presence for a team undergoing significant changes.
Following CSK’s final home game at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Fleming said Dhoni’s experience had been particularly valuable for the younger players in the squad.
“MS has been around a lot this year, which has been really important for the team, for a lot of the young players, and for continuity,” Fleming said.
“So, he’s been a big part of it. He hasn’t played, but he’s still had a big influence on the team.”
RAINA HOPES DHONI WILL RETURN IN 2027
Former CSK batter Suresh Raina has also made it clear that he wants to see Dhoni return for another IPL season.
Following Dhoni’s participation in CSK’s traditional lap of honour at Chepauk, Raina revealed that he had urged his former teammate to return for IPL 2027, insisting that the 2026 campaign should not count as his final season.
“I told him you have given IPL 2026 a missed call. It won’t count. You have to come back next year,” Raina said.
According to Raina, Dhoni remained cautious about the prospect, pointing to the physical demands of playing professional cricket at his age.
“He said, ‘Nahi yaar, body thoda waisa hai’ (No man, the body is a bit like that). I said we are not believing anything. You have to play next year,” Raina recalled.
Raina, however, believes Dhoni has not completely shut the door on a return and suggested that the veteran’s response offered some reason for optimism.
“It’s his personal call. I think he is positive. The team is also gelling well again. Fans also want him to come. He said, ‘Let me see.’ If he says let me see, there’s a chance he will work hard, and play again,” Raina added.
WHO AFTER MS DHONI?
CSK have been aware that they need to prepare for life beyond Dhoni, with the franchise bringing in Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026.
Samson played all 14 matches for Chennai and scored 477 runs in his first season with the franchise. However, his individual contribution could not prevent CSK from enduring a difficult campaign, with the five-time champions finishing eighth in the 10-team standings.
Dhoni’s future will remain a key talking point as CSK begin preparations for the next season and assess their squad ahead of the auction. While the franchise has left the decision to the veteran himself, Kasi’s comments suggest that the door remains open for one more appearance from the player who has been at the heart of CSK’s success for nearly two decades.
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