CSK confirm MS Dhoni will feature in IPL 2026
Dhoni's decision to continue gives Chennai fans something to look forward to after a difficult year. For the league as a whole, it means one more season of watching one of the game's greatest minds at work.
New Delhi: MS Dhoni is not yet done with the Indian Premier League just yet. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend will be back for another season, as confirmed by the franchise itself. CEO Kasi Viswanathan has said that the 44-year-old icon has already told the management he will be available for IPL 2026.
In a chat with Cricbuzz, Viswanathan put an end to weeks of speculation about Dhoni’s future. "That’s right,” the CSK CEO said when asked if Dhoni would feature in the next season. He later reiterated that "MS has told us that he will be available for the next season.” For a fanbase that has spent the past few years wondering if each season might be Dhoni’s last, this is the assurance they have been waiting for.
Viswanathan has been with the franchise since its launch in 2008 and has long shared a close working relationship with Dhoni. Both have been the pillars of the CSK setup alongside owner N. Srinivasan and coach Stephen Fleming. While Dhoni's retirement talk surfaces every year, this latest confirmation makes it clear he is not ready to walk away yet.
Dhoni to extend his IPL journey
If Dhoni does take the field in 2026, it will mark his 17th season with Chennai and 19th overall in the league. Apart from the two years CSK were suspended when he led Rising Pune Supergiant and since then he has been synonymous with the yellow jersey. Across 248 matches for the franchise, Dhoni has scored 4,865 runs and led CSK to five titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.
Last season was far from ideal for the Super Kings. They finished at the bottom of the table in IPL 2025 as htey could manage just four wins in 14 games. Dhoni had to step in as captain again after Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury disrupted their campaign. Despite that, he still produced flashes of brilliance including becoming the oldest player to win a Player of the Match award in IPL history for his cameo against Lucknow Super Giants.
Viswanathan believes Dhoni’s decision to play another season is driven by unfinished business. After a tough year, the veteran wants to help the team bounce back and possibly end his IPL journey on a high note.