MS Dhoni's CSK future depends on him alone: Team CEO keeps coach, mentor doors open
IPL 2026: CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said MS Dhoni alone will decide his future with the franchise. The remarks keep open roles as player, coach or mentor as Chennai continue their transition.
Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan said any decision regarding MS Dhoni’s future with the franchise will depend entirely on the former captain himself, while reiterating that CSK would always want him to remain associated with the team in some capacity. Amid growing retirement speculation after IPL 2026, the CSK CEO made it clear that the franchise still sees Dhoni as a permanent part of Chennai’s setup.
CSK endured another disappointing IPL campaign after crashing out of the playoffs race following their heavy defeat to Gujarat Titans earlier this month. Speaking to RevSportz after the season, Kasi Viswanathan reflected on Dhoni’s future, while also praising the role the legendary wicketkeeper has played in shaping current captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
“We have not discussed anything with MS as of now. MS takes his decisions on his own, and we respect that,” Kasi said.
“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.”
Kasi also credited Dhoni and head coach Stephen Fleming for helping Ruturaj evolve into a calm leader during CSK’s transition phase.
“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,” he added.
The uncertainty around Dhoni’s future has only intensified after a season where the 44-year-old did not play a single match because of multiple injury setbacks. While there has still been no official retirement announcement, IPL 2026 increasingly felt like the beginning of a transition away from the Dhoni era at Chennai Super Kings.
WHY DID MS DHONI NOT PLAY IPL 2026?
Dhoni missed the entire IPL 2026 season because of a persistent calf injury that reportedly worsened over time alongside a thumb issue.
Although he remained actively involved around the squad and continued attending matches from the dugout, Dhoni never returned to full fitness during the tournament. His absence left a massive void in CSK’s middle order, with the franchise struggling badly throughout the season.
Despite not featuring on the field, Dhoni’s presence remained central to CSK’s dressing room environment. Head coach Stephen Fleming had earlier strongly defended Dhoni’s off-field role, insisting that his influence remained invaluable for a squad undergoing transition.
The emotional weight surrounding Dhoni’s future became most visible after CSK’s final home game at Chepauk earlier this season. Following the defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, Dhoni walked out during the team’s traditional lap of appreciation and waved to the crowd in what many fans interpreted as a possible farewell moment.
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