Published on: Oct 13, 2026 4:38 pm IST|Updated on: Oct 13, 2026 4:38 pm IST
MS Dhoni and speculations surrounding his IPL appearance are something that boil over every year ahead of the Indian Premier League season. After sitting out the entire 2026 IPL season due to recurring injuries, his fans have been wondering if the 45-year-old will return to the field in the IPL 2027 season.
Addressing these burning questions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kasi Viswanathan broke the silence on Dhoni’s future, expressing optimism that the former CSK skipper could step back onto the field in IPL 2027.
Speaking on the franchise’s stance and MS Dhoni’s potential availability for IPL 2027, Kasi emphasized that the final call rests on the former CSK skipper himself. However, Kasi admitted he remains hopeful to see Dhoni back on the field in the next IPL season.
While addressing the media, Viswanathan stated,
“It’s a question you need to ask him. I also have to ask him. He informs us of his decision when he arrives in Chennai. I have a feeling that the chances of him continuing to play for CSK are there. He is still a player, you know.”
Kasi’s remarks confirm that the doors for MS Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings remain open. Whenever he feels ready to take the field wearing the yellow, he is most welcome.
MS Dhoni’s IPL 2026 campaign never started due to recurring injuries. He didn’t feature in a single game for the 5-time IPL champions, but his influence on the team remained unmatched. Dhoni stayed on the bench throughout the season but was the guiding light, especially for the youngsters in the group.
CSK’s head coach last year, Stephen Fleming, mentioned how vital Dhoni’s presence in the dugout was during a tough transition year for CSK.
“MS has been around a lot this year, which has been really important for the team, for a lot of the young players, and for continuity. So, he’s been a big part of it. He hasn’t played, but he’s still had a big influence on the team.”
Not only the CSK management and their fans, but MS Dhoni’s former Indian and CSK teammate Suresh Raina also wishes to see the 45-year-old play in the next edition of the Tata IPL. Raina revealed that he personally urged Dhoni not to let his IPL career end on an injury-foced sideline.
Recalling his conversation with Dhoni, Raina shared:
“I told him you have given IPL 2026 a missed call. It won’t count. You have to come back next year.”
As per Raina, while Dhoni cautiously cited the physical demands of playing top-level cricket at 45 by replying, “Nahi yaar, body thoda waisa hai” (No man, the body is a bit like that), he left the door open for a comeback possibility by saying, “Let me see.”
With the IPL 2027 mini auctions slated for December this year, CSK fans would be eager to see their ‘Thala’ arrive in Chennai and give a clear view of his future with the franchise.