Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni is expected to continue playing for the franchise in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed the team is optimistic about having the veteran wicketkeeper-batter back in action.

Dhoni, who has represented CSK since the league’s inception in 2008—except for two years with Rising Pune Supergiants during CSK’s suspension—will be entering his 17th season with the team and 19th overall in the IPL. Ahead of the 2025 mega auction, he was retained as an uncapped player under a new rule allowing Indian cricketers without international appearances in the past five years to qualify as uncapped.

CSK retained Dhoni for ₹4 crore, alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, and Shivam Dube. Despite turning 44, Dhoni remains central to CSK’s plans as the franchise rebuilds after finishing 10th in IPL 2025. (With inputs from Agencies)