Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan has confirmed that veteran wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni is expected to feature in all matches of the IPL 2026 season, although the exact role he will play in the team remains undecided.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming season, Viswanathan clarified that the franchise fully expects the 44-year-old to be available throughout the tournament, addressing speculation over whether Dhoni might skip games because of workload management and fitness considerations.
However, the CSK official said the final decision regarding Dhoni’s role will be taken by the team’s cricketing staff. The management will determine whether the former India captain plays as a wicketkeeper-batter, specialist batter, or potentially as an Impact Player, depending on match situations and team combinations.
Dhoni stepped down from CSK captaincy ahead of IPL 2024, handing over leadership duties to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Despite the change in captaincy, Dhoni continues to remain one of the most influential figures within the franchise, guiding younger players and contributing to tactical decisions on and off the field.
Since the IPL’s inception in 2008, Dhoni has been synonymous with CSK’s success, leading the franchise to five IPL titles and establishing one of the most dominant teams in the tournament’s history.
With IPL 2026 set to begin on March 28, preparations are already underway across franchises. CSK will start their campaign with an away match against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30, where fans are expected to once again witness Dhoni taking the field in the iconic yellow jersey.
-Samuthiran
