Follow your teams and players to get a For You feed of just their news.
Get started
CSK CEO hopeful of MS Dhoni's return despite missing entirety of IPL 2026
Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan has expressed optimism that MS Dhoni could return for the IPL in 2027, despite sitting out the entirety of the 2026 season due to persistent injury concerns. The 45-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, a cornerstone of CSK since the franchise’s inception, did not take the field in any match last season, though he remained involved with the team as a mentor and support figure during their challenging campaign.
Viswanathan emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with Dhoni, who traditionally notifies the franchise of his intentions upon arriving in Chennai for pre-season preparations. The CSK leadership, including former head coach Stephen Fleming, has underscored Dhoni’s continued influence on the squad, particularly for younger players navigating the team’s transitional phase.
Meanwhile, veteran teammate Suresh Raina publicly urged Dhoni to return for 2027, framing the 2026 season as a missed opportunity rather than a farewell campaign. Dhoni’s physical readiness remains the key question as speculation swirls around a potential final IPL chapter for one of cricket’s most iconic figures.
