MS Dhoni sought to deepen his long-standing relationship with Chennai Super Kings by acquiring a substantial ownership stake in the IPL franchise, but negotiations ended without an agreement after the two sides remained far apart on the size of the proposed holding, according to a report by CricBlogger.
The discussions saw Dhoni progressively reduce the stake he wanted to acquire while CSK’s promoters increased their offer, but the gap remained significant. The failed negotiations have added another layer of uncertainty to one of the IPL’s longest and most successful player-franchise relationships.
Dhoni and CSK remained far apart on stake size
According to the source, Dhoni initially sought to purchase a 25% stake in CSK, while the franchise’s promoters were prepared to offer 3%. He subsequently reduced his proposed holding to 20%, with the management moving its offer to 4%.
A further round of discussions narrowed the positions without producing a breakthrough. Dhoni was prepared to settle for an 18% stake, while CSK’s final offer stood at 5.5%.
No formal written proposal or agreement was exchanged, with most of the discussions taking place verbally. A source told CricBlogger: “Dhoni wanted to buy a stake. He wasn’t asking for it for free, but the CSK management thought otherwise.”
Investor was prepared to back Dhoni’s purchase
The same source added: “Of course, Dhoni is backed by an investor who is willing to fund the purchase of CSK shares.”
Dhoni has been associated with the franchise since the inaugural IPL season in 2008 and captained CSK to five IPL titles. He is also CSK’s most-capped player and leading run-scorer, making his association with the franchise one of the defining relationships of the IPL era.
Failed talks add to uncertainty around Dhoni and CSK
The ownership discussions emerged against a backdrop of existing friction between Dhoni and CSK. He had also been frustrated at not being consulted, or having his views heard, over player choices in recent years.
The latest IPL season brought separate uncertainty over Dhoni’s playing future. The 45-year-old, who had been retained for ₹4 crore (approx. US$419K) ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, did not play a single match for CSK during IPL 2026 because of injury. Whether he will return to play for the franchise again remains unclear.
The breakdown in the ownership discussions has also raised questions over the state of a partnership stretching back nearly two decades. Another source told CricBlogger: “Whether the two sides can bridge the gap remains to be seen, but the trust that once bound them together appears to have taken a serious hit.”
For Dhoni and CSK, no ownership deal has been reached, leaving the two sides separated by a significant gap following negotiations over a potential stake in the franchise.
