IPL 2026: Will MS Dhoni play all Chennai Super Kings matches this year or not? CSK CEO answers

The CEO of Chennai Super Kings, Kasi Viswanathan, has addressed speculation surrounding the participation of MS Dhoni in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season. With Dhoni now 44 years old, questions had been raised about whether the legendary former India captain would feature in all matches this year.

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Team Management to Decide Dhoni’s Role
Chennai Super Kings Squad for IPL 2026

Speaking to reporters, Viswanathan clarified that Dhoni remains very much part of the squad but stopped short of confirming whether he will play every game. According to him, such decisions will be taken by the team’s cricketing staff rather than the administrative management.

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Team Management to Decide Dhoni’s Role

Viswanathan explained that Dhoni’s exact role in the team — whether as a wicketkeeper-batter, specialist batter, or an Impact Player — will depend entirely on the strategies decided by the coaching staff.

“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.

The discussion around Dhoni’s role intensified after Sanju Samson was traded from Rajasthan Royals to Chennai ahead of the new season. Samson’s arrival gives CSK another established wicketkeeper-batter, raising questions about how the franchise will manage roles in the playing XI.

Dhoni’s batting position has also been debated in recent seasons, as he often comes in late in the order, typically below No. 7. Despite limited time at the crease, his presence continues to be seen as crucial for the team’s experience and finishing ability.

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