Chennai Super Kings have made it clear that MS Dhoni’s future with the franchise will ultimately remain his own decision, with the IPL side continuing to keep every possible role open for the former India Captain after a season dominated by injury concerns and retirement speculation. Speaking to RevSportz, Chennai Super Kings Chief Executive Officer Kasi Viswanathan said the franchise had not yet held discussions with Dhoni regarding his next step following IPL 2026.
“We have not discussed anything with MS as of now. MS takes his decisions on his own, and we respect that,” Viswanathan said.
Questions surrounding Dhoni’s future intensified throughout IPL 2026 after the 44-year-old failed to make a single appearance during the campaign because of persistent calf and thumb injuries. Although he remained involved with the squad from the dugout during the season, his absence on the field coincided with another difficult campaign for Chennai Super Kings, who finished eighth in the standings with 12 points from six wins and eight defeats.
CSK keeping long-term role open for Dhoni
The uncertainty surrounding Dhoni’s playing future has also triggered wider conversations around whether the former Chennai Super Kings Captain could eventually transition into a coaching or mentorship role within the franchise setup. Chennai have consistently positioned Dhoni as a central figure in the organisation’s identity, both on and off the field, since the IPL’s inception.
Viswanathan indicated the franchise intends to maintain that association regardless of whether Dhoni returns as a player in future seasons.
“We would always like to have him as a permanent fixture at CSK in whatever capacity — be it as a player, coach or mentor, whatever he would like. Any decision depends on him.”
The comments come at a time when Chennai Super Kings are facing increasing scrutiny over the direction of the team after missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season. Head Coach Stephen Fleming has also faced questions around the side’s transition phase, particularly following another disappointing finish during IPL 2026.
Ruturaj’s development central to CSK transition
While Dhoni did not feature on the field this season, the franchise continues to view his influence as important within the dressing room, particularly during the leadership transition toward Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Gaikwad formally stepped into the captaincy role after working closely alongside Dhoni over multiple seasons, with Chennai management crediting both Dhoni and Fleming for shaping the team’s next leadership cycle.
“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 that in the coming years, he will embody those qualities even more,” said the CEO.
Speculation around Dhoni’s future also intensified after Chennai’s final home fixture of the season at Chepauk, where his appearance during the team’s lap of appreciation prompted widespread discussion among supporters over whether the moment could represent the closing stages of his long association with the IPL franchise.
