MS Dhoni CSK's future depends on him alone: Team CEO leaves coach and mentor door open

Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan said any decision regarding MS Dhoni’s future with the franchise would be entirely up to the former captain himself, while reiterating that CSK would always want him to remain associated with the team in some capacity. Amid growing speculation about his retirement after IPL 2026, the CSK CEO made it clear that the franchise still sees Dhoni as a permanent part of the Chennai set-up.

CSK endured yet another disappointing IPL campaign after crashing out of the play-off race following a heavy defeat to Gujarat Titans earlier this month. In an interview with RevSportz after the season, Kasi Viswanathan reflected on Dhoni’s future while also appreciating the role the legendary wicketkeeper played in shaping current captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.

“We haven’t discussed anything with the World Cup yet. The World Cup takes its own decisions and we respect that,” Kasi said.

“We would always like to have him as a permanent part of CSK in any capacity – be it as a player, coach or mentor, whatever he wants. Any decision is up to him.”

Kasi also credited Dhoni and head coach Stephen Fleming for helping Ruturaj develop into a calm leader during CSK’s transition phase.

“Ruturaj took over from MS after watching him closely for three to four years. MS and Fleming have developed Ruturaj into a very calm captain. I am sure he will embody these qualities even more in the years to come,” he added.

The uncertainty surrounding Dhoni’s future only intensified after a season in which the 44-year-old did not play a single match due to multiple injury setbacks. While there has still been no official announcement of an exit, IPL 2026 has increasingly felt like the beginning of a transition from the Dhoni era to the Chennai Super Kings.

WHY MS DHONI DIDN’T PLAY IPL 2026?

Dhoni has missed the entire IPL 2026 season due to a lingering calf injury that reportedly worsened over time along with a thumb problem.

Although he remained actively involved with the team and continued to attend matches from the underground floor, Dhoni never returned to full fitness during the tournament. His absence has left a huge void in CSK’s middle order, with the franchise struggling badly throughout the season.

Although Dhoni’s presence did not figure on the field, it remained the focal point of the CSK dressing room environment. Head coach Stephen Fleming had earlier strongly defended Dhoni’s off-field roleinsisting that his influence remained invaluable to the group in transition.

The emotional weight surrounding Dhoni’s future became most visible after CSK’s last home game in Chepauk earlier this season. After the defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, Dhoni walked out during the team’s traditional appreciation round and waved to the crowd in what many fans interpreted as a possible farewell moment.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

27 May 2026 16:40 IST