While underlining that CSK would always want MS Dhoni to stay involved with the team in some fashion, Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan stated that any choice about the former captain’s future with the team will be totally up to him. The CEO of CSK clarified that the team still views Dhoni as a long-term member of Chennai’s setup in the face of mounting retirement rumors following IPL 2026.
After losing badly to Gujarat Titans earlier this month and being eliminated from the playoffs, CSK had yet another poor IPL season. After the season, Kasi Viswanathan discussed Dhoni’s future in an interview with RevSportz. He also praised the famous wicketkeeper’s influence on current captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
“We have not discussed anything with MS as of now. MS takes his decisions on his own, and we respect that,” Kasi said.
“We would always like to have him as a permanent fixture at CSK in whatever capacity — be it as a player, coach or mentor, whatever he would like. Any decision depends on him.”
Kasi also acknowledged that Ruturaj’s development into a composed leader during CSK’s transition period was aided by Dhoni and head coach Stephen Fleming.
“Ruturaj took over from MS after watching him closely for three to four years. MS and Fleming have developed Ruturaj into a very calm captain. I am sure that in the coming years, he will embody those qualities even more,” he added.
After a season in which the 44-year-old missed every game due to numerous physical setbacks, the uncertainty around Dhoni’s future has only grown. IPL 2026 felt more and more like the start of a move away from the Dhoni era at Chennai Super Kings, even if an official retirement announcement has not yet been made.
Due to a chronic calf condition that apparently got worse over time along with a thumb problem, Dhoni missed the entire 2026 Indian Premier League season.
Dhoni never recovered to full fitness during the tournament, despite continuing to be involved with the team and watch games from the bench. CSK’s middle order was severely weakened by his absence, and the team struggled all season long.
Dhoni continued to be a major part of CSK’s dressing room atmosphere even if he wasn’t on the field. Earlier, head coach Stephen Fleming had vehemently defended Dhoni’s off-field position, saying that his impact was still crucial for a team going through a transformation.
After CSK’s last home game at Chepauk earlier this season, the emotional burden regarding Dhoni’s future became most apparent. In what many fans saw as a potential farewell, Dhoni left the squad during the customary lap of thanks after the loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad and waved to the spectators.
