CSK CEO is hopeful of MS Dhoni’s IPL comeback despite missing last season’s squad

Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan believes there is more cricket left in the legendary MS Dhoni. The CSK talisman, now 45, did not play a single match in the Indian Premier League earlier this year due to injury concerns. However, the team CEO feels that Dhoni will try his best to play one last season for the Chennai-based team.

When asked about Dhoni’s position in the CSK side ahead of the upcoming IPL auction, Kasi told the local media in Chennai that the decision to play or not to play was a decision left solely to the former Indian captain by the franchise. He added that the process has been the same for some time now, with Dhoni informing the team of his decision when he reaches Chennai.

“It’s a question you have to ask him. I have to ask him too. He will inform us of his decision when he comes to Chennai. I feel the chances of him continuing to play for CSK are there. He’s still a player you know,” said Kasi Viswanathan.

Dhoni did not feature in a single match in IPL 2026, the season many expected to be his farewell campaign. The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman remained with the team for most of the tournament, however, participating in training sessions and offering support from the dugout as CSK faced a difficult transition.

DHONI IS STILL AN IMPORTANT PRESENCE IN CSK

Amid the criticism, former CSK head coach Stephen Fleming defended not playing Dhoni towards the end of the season, stressing that the former skipper remains an important part of a team undergoing significant changes.

Speaking after CSK’s last home match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Fleming said Dhoni’s experience was especially valuable for the younger players in the team.

“There was a lot of World Cup this year, which was really important for the team, for a lot of young players and for continuity,” Fleming said.

“So he was a big part of it. He didn’t play, but he still had a big impact on the team.”

RAINA HOPE DHONI RETURNS IN 2027

Former CSK batsman Suresh Raina has also made it clear that he wants to see Dhoni return for the next IPL season.

After Dhoni’s participation in CSK’s traditional lap of honor in Chepauk, Raina revealed that he had urged his former teammate to return for IPL 2027, insisting that the 2026 campaign should not count as his last season.

“I told him you have given IPL 2026 a missed call. That will not count. You have to come back next year,” Raina said.

According to Raina, Dhoni was cautious about the prospect, pointing to the physical demands of playing professional cricket at his age.

“He said, ‘Nahi yaar, body thoda waisa hai’ (No man, the body is a bit similar). I said we don’t believe in anything. You have to play next year,” Raina recalled.

Raina, however, feels that Dhoni has not completely closed the door on his comeback and hinted that the veteran’s response offered some cause for optimism.

“It’s his personal challenge. I think he’s positive. The team is also starting well again. The fans also want him to come. He said: ‘Show.’ If he says let me see, there is a chance he will work hard and play again,” Raina added.

WHO AFTER MS DHONI?

CSK realizes they have to prepare for life without Dhoni, with the franchise bringing in Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026.

Samson played all 14 matches for Chennai and scored 477 runs in his first season with the franchise. However, his individual contributions could not prevent CSK from a tough campaign as the five-time champions finished eighth in the 10-team standings.

Dhoni’s future will remain a key talking point as CSK begin preparations for next season and assess their squad ahead of the auction. While the franchise has left the decision to the veteran himself, Kasi’s comments suggest that the door remains open for more appearances for the player who has been at the heart of CSK’s success for almost two decades.

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