Speculation around MS Dhoni’s future in IPL 2026 has started once again. The Chennai Super Kings legend will turn 45 later this year. Fans are eager to know how many matches he will play in the upcoming season.
Recently, CSK signed Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals in a trade deal worth INR 18 crore. This move has increased talk that Dhoni may have a limited role next season. Some reports suggest he might not feature in every league match.
A senior CSK source gave an update on his availability. “We can confirm that he is coming to Chennai and has confirmed his availability for the season. Whether he will play all the games or not is something we cannot say at the moment,” the source said.
Over the last two seasons, Dhoni’s batting role has been limited. With the Impact Player rule in place, he mostly played short cameos in the lower order. He has not been required to bat for long periods. Dhoni retired from international cricket in August 2020 but continues to play in the IPL.
MS Dhoni rules out commentary role
Earlier, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan also confirmed Dhoni’s participation. “He will play, he will play,” Viswanathan said.
Dhoni has been with CSK since the start of the IPL in 2008. He also played two seasons for Rising Pune Supergiant when CSK were suspended in 2016 and 2017. He has won five IPL titles with CSK and remains one of the most successful captains in the league’s history.
Meanwhile, Dhoni recently ruled out the idea of becoming a commentator after retirement. He shared his thoughts during a YouTube chat with Jatin Sapru.
“Commentary is very difficult. I feel there is a very fine line between describing the game and in that process getting into a zone where you start criticising individuals who are playing the game. It’s a very thin line. Often, you don’t even feel that what you are doing is may be borderline wrong. You would always like to be on the other side where you are describing the game. If you feel something is wrong you say it out,” said Dhoni.
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