Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan has categorically stated that MS Dhoni will play all the matches in the upcoming edition of the tournament. At 44 years of age, the former Indian captain is the oldest uncapped player in the tournament. Amid speculations of Dhoni’s full participation in IPL 2026, the CSK CEO has broken his silence on the matter but has a mixed take when it comes to Thala being an impact player in the season.
Will Dhoni play all matches in IPL 2026?
Speaking to reporters, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan dispelled rumours of Dhoni not being a part of the entire IPL 2026. However, he stated that it will be the decision of the team management to decide if MSD will play as a keeper-batter or an impact player. There are doubts about Dhoni’s place in the playing XI after CSK secured Sanju Samson via trade from Rajasthan Royals before IPL 2026. Dhoni’s batting position and his ability to contribute effectively remains as a main concern for CSK, given that he bats below 7.
“He will play the matches, all matches .I can’t say. That’s a cricketing decision which will be taken by the cricketing staff, not by the administrative staff. They will decide whether he is going to play as a batter, or a wicketkeeper-batter or as an Impact Player,” the CSK CEO said.
MS Dhoni’s record in IPL 2025
| Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Balls Faced | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 196 | 30* | 24.50 | 145 | 135.17 |
CSK squad for IPL 2026
MS Dhoni (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sanju Samson (traded in from RR), Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brewis✈️, Shivam Dube, Urvil Patel, Noor Ahmad✈️, Nathan Ellis✈️, Shreyas Gopal, Khaleel Ahmed, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Mukesh Choudhary, Jamie Overton✈️, Gurjapneet Singh, Anshul Kamboj, Akeal Hosein✈️, Prashant Veer, Kartik Sharma (wk), Matthew Short✈️, Aman Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Matt Henry✈️, Rahul Chahar, Zak Foulkes✈️
