“Not Retiring Anytime Soon”: CSK CEO Confirms MS Dhoni Will Play IPL 2026 After Worst-Ever Season

Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan has ended months of speculation by confirming that MS Dhoni will feature in IPL 2026, declaring “No, he is not retiring for this IPL” and revealing that Dhoni himself has communicated his availability for the upcoming season. The announcement brings relief to millions of CSK fans who feared that the franchise’s worst-ever season—finishing 10th with just four wins—might have prompted the 44-year-old legend to call time on his illustrious IPL career after 19 seasons.​

The Official Confirmation

Viswanathan made the announcement in two stages: first during an interview with Provoke Lifestyle magazine where a young fan asked about Dhoni’s retirement plans, and subsequently to Cricbuzz where he confirmed: "MS has told us that he will be available for the next season."​

When asked specifically about retirement timing, Viswanathan added with characteristic humor: "I will ask him and get back to you."​

The confirmation marks Dhoni’s 17th season with CSK and his 19th overall in the IPL, cementing his status as the most enduring icon in franchise cricket history.​

The Disappointing 2025 Season

IPL 2025 represented CSK’s darkest hour. The five-time champions finished last (10th place) with just four wins from 14 matches—the earliest any team had been eliminated from playoff contention in franchise history.​

MS Dhoni’s Personal Statistics (IPL 2025):

• Matches: 14

• Innings: 13

• Runs: 196

• Average: 24.50

Strike Rate: 135.17

Highest Score: 30*​

The strike rate of 135.17 marked a dramatic decline from his explosive 220.55 in IPL 2024, raising questions about whether age had finally caught up with the legendary finisher.​

Dhoni took over captaincy mid-season when Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered an elbow injury, but even his leadership couldn’t salvage a campaign plagued by weak batting depth and poor powerplay utilization.​

The Redemption Narrative for 2026 Viswanathan’s confirmation suggests Dhoni wants to end his career on a high note rather than with the bitter taste of last place. As one analysis noted: "It is likely that Dhoni aims to conclude his career on a high note."​

For CSK, Dhoni’s return provides continuity and leadership during what promises to be a transitional phase. The franchise is reportedly holding strategy meetings on November 10-11 involving Viswanathan, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, coach Stephen Fleming, and Dhoni himself to plan retention and auction strategies.​

The Sanju Samson Trade Speculation

Adding intrigue to Dhoni’s confirmation, Cricbuzz reports that CSK have reopened discussions with Rajasthan Royals about a potential trade for captain Sanju Samson ahead of the November 15 retention deadline.​

If successful, the trade could see Samson—one of India’s most explosive wicketkeeper-batters—joining CSK while RR receives a top CSK player in exchange. Whether Samson would receive captaincy or continue under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s leadership remains unclear.​

Off-Field Milestones: The Drone Pilot

While confirming his IPL availability, Dhoni has also been expanding his post-cricket horizons. He recently completed drone pilot training from Garuda Aerospace in Chennai, becoming a certified drone operator after rigorous theoretical and practical sessions.​

The achievement marks Dhoni’s commitment to aviation technology and India’s drone industry, where he serves as brand ambassador for Garuda Aerospace. The milestone garnered widespread social media celebration, showcasing Dhoni’s continued relevance beyond cricket.

The Legacy Context

At 44, Dhoni remains the IPL’s oldest active player and most capped cricketer with 278 total matches (248 for CSK, 30 for Rising Pune Supergiant).​

Career IPL Statistics:

Matches: 278

Runs: 5,439

Captaincy Record: Five IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023)

Finals Reached: 9

CSK-specific Runs: 4,865 runs in 248 matches​

He shares the record for most IPL titles as captain (5) with Mumbai Indians’ Rohit Sharma, cementing his status among cricket’s greatest leaders.​

The Make-or-Break Debate

Dhoni’s 2026 return has sparked debate about whether sentiment or performance should guide selection. While his leadership and wicketkeeping remain valuable, his batting output in 2025 raised legitimate questions about his finishing ability—once his defining strength.​

One analysis captured this tension: "Many believe that Dhoni must prove his worth beyond wicketkeeping. Fans expect him to return to form with the bat, especially in tight run chases where his experience is crucial."​

For CSK, balancing Dhoni’s iconic status with competitive imperatives will define their 2026 campaign. Can the legend recapture his finishing magic one final time, or will IPL 2026 merely postpone an inevitable farewell?