MS Dhoni Confirmed to Play Full IPL 2026 Season, Role to Be Decided by CSK Coaching Staff

Kathmandu. Former Indian team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni will play the entire season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Kasi Viswanathan, CEO of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), formally confirmed this on Wednesday.

Viswanathan clarified that the final decision on what role the 44-year-old Dhoni will play this season will be made by the team's coaching staff. Dhoni has already started his preparations for this season quite early.

Dhoni, who reached Chennai in early March and has been busy practicing with the team, had started net practice in Ranchi even before that. Speculation was rife that Dhoni might play fewer matches or have a limited role this time after star player Sanju Samson joined Chennai from Rajasthan Royals.

However, fans are excited after the management announced that Dhoni will be available for the entire season. Last season, Dhoni had to take over the captaincy mid-tournament after regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad got injured. Nevertheless, that season was not pleasant for Chennai, and the team finished at the bottom of the points table for the first time in its history.

This time, it has been stated that the decision on whether Dhoni will be fielded as a batter, wicketkeeper, or impact player will be based on strategy. Chennai is looking to regain its former glory this year under Gaikwad's captaincy.