Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be part of the Chennai Super Kings squad for IPL 2026, the franchise has confirmed on Friday (November 7).
As per a report from Cricbuzz, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed Dhoni's availability for the upcoming season.
"That's right," when asked about the veteran's participation, reaffirming that "MS has told us that he will be available for the next season," the CSK CEO was quoted as saying.
MS Dhoni, 44, has been synonymous with CSK since the IPL's inception in 2008, apart from the two seasons the franchise was suspended. If he features again, it will mark his 17th campaign for CSK and 19th overall in the league. The former India captain has played 248 matches for the franchise, scoring 4,865 runs and leading them to
five IPL titles - in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.
The former India captain was brought in as a captain in the IPL 2025 as well, after Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury, but he may leave the role this season.
Dhoni has been reportedly involved in the future planning and is set to hold meetings with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, head coach Stephen Fleming and other top CSK officials. The franchise is expected to announce their retentions by the deadline of November 15 ahead of the IPL 2026 auctions. The Super Kings had a dismal outing in the IPL 2025 and will be aiming to bounce back in the new season.
MS Dhoni IPL Career
Dhoni has played 278 IPL matches over the years, scoring 5,439 runs at 38.30 average. The former India captain has scored 24 fifties with a highest score of 84. Dhoni has lifted the IPL title five times, all of them with the Chennai Super Kings. Apart from CSK, he played two seasons with Rising Pune Supergiants when the Super Kings were banned after spot-fixing allegations.
