MS Dhoni remains central to Chennai Super Kings’ plans for the upcoming Indian Premier League season, with the franchise expecting the veteran wicketkeeper-batter to feature throughout IPL 2026 even as discussions continue about how he will be deployed in the playing XI.
Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Chennai Super Kings Chief Executive Kasi Viswanathan indicated that concerns about Dhoni’s ability to participate across the tournament should not be an issue.
“He will play all the matches, according to me,” Kasi Viswanathan, CEO of Chennai Super Kings, said while speaking to reporters in Chennai.
The upcoming IPL season, scheduled to begin on March 28, has already prompted franchises to start assembling their squads for training camps. Players involved in India’s recent T20 World Cup campaign are expected to join their respective teams shortly as preparations intensify ahead of the new campaign.
CSK management yet to decide Dhoni’s exact role
While Dhoni’s presence across the season appears likely, Chennai Super Kings have not finalized how the veteran will be used tactically within the squad.
The franchise recently added another wicketkeeper-batter, Sanju Samson, creating multiple possible combinations for the coaching staff to consider as they shape the team for the tournament.
“That I cannot say. That is a cricketing decision which will be taken by the cricketing staff. Not by the administrative staff. So they will decide whether he is going to play as a batsman or as a wicketkeeper-batter, or as an impact player,” he added.
The decision will ultimately rest with the cricketing staff rather than the administrative side of the franchise as they determine the most effective structure for the side.
CSK encouraged by strong T20 World Cup performances
Beyond team selection discussions, Chennai Super Kings have also drawn confidence from the recent performances of their players during India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign.
Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube both delivered impactful performances during the tournament, something the franchise believes could translate into positive momentum heading into the IPL season.
“We are very happy that India has won the World Cup, that too they’ve won it back-to-back. We are delighted because two of the CSK players, Sanju and Shivam Dube, have performed extremely well. It gives us a lot of confidence in the team doing well for CSK here also,” he said.
Those contributions have strengthened optimism within the franchise as it prepares for another IPL campaign.
Training preparations underway ahead of IPL opener
Preparations for the season are already progressing as players begin assembling for training sessions ahead of the opening fixtures.
According to the Chennai Super Kings Chief Executive, the early phase of the team’s preparations has proceeded smoothly.
“Practice is going on well, no problems so far,” he noted.
As the tournament approaches, Chennai Super Kings will now focus on finalizing their combinations and integrating players returning from international commitments while continuing to build around the experience and leadership Dhoni brings to the squad.
