Chennai Super Kings stalwart MS Dhoni is all but confirmed to participate in IPL 2026 and it could potentially be because of N Srinivasan. The former BCCI president and ICC chairman was named chairman of CSK just a few days earlier. Dhoni, who is at the fag end of his IPL career, was earlier expected to take a call on his future few months close to the start of the tournament in 2026.
Dhoni to play one more season due to Srinivasan?
As per RevSportz, CSK insiders told the publication that MS Dhoni was expected to play for at least one more year. The report claims that the development comes after N Srinivasan became the CSK chairman ahead of IPL 2026, hinting that he could have played a role in convincing MSD to play for another season. Dhoni reportedly shares a fatherly relation with Srinivasan, which is why he could play for another season, states the report.
The report claims that a wheelchair-bound Srinivasan will have the final word on all cricketing matters related to CSK and will attend the board meetings. His daughter, Roopa Gurunath, is expected to have a more hands-on role.
What Dhoni said on retirement?
Last week, a report claimed that Dhoni will retire after participating in the IPL for one last time in 2026. The stalwart, who took over CSK’s captaincy in IPL 2025 in the absence of Ruturaj Gaikwad, has openly admitted that he has issues with his knee. At an event earlier in August, Dhoni stated that he has time until December to decide if he would play in IPL 2026 or not. The CSK captain told the host that he would take a couple of more months to make his decision. At the same time, a fan who was among the audience, insisted that Thala play in IPL 2026. To this, Dhoni responded wittily, asking who would take care of the pain in his knees.
“He is going to play for one more year for sure before hanging his boots,” a source told Telecom Asia Sport.
