CSK Confirms Dhoni for IPL 2026 Season

Chennai Super Kings have confirmed that MS Dhoni will be available as a player for the Indian Premier League 2026 season, though the 44-year-old cricketing icon is unlikely to feature in every match due to his age and the team's strategic squad management.

Dhoni, who will turn 45 later in 2026, has been a cornerstone of CSK since the league's inception in 2008, leading the franchise to a joint-record five IPL titles before stepping down as captain ahead of the 2024 season. Franchise CEO Kasi Viswanathan addressed speculation about Dhoni's future during a recent interaction with reporters, stating simply, "He will play, he will play." A senior CSK official, speaking to PTI on condition of anonymity, echoed the confirmation, saying, "We can confirm this much that he is coming to Chennai and had confirmed his availability for the season." However, the official added that whether Dhoni would participate in all games remains uncertain, emphasizing the need to manage his involvement carefully.

The decision stems from Dhoni's ongoing fitness challenges, including recurring knee and back issues, compounded by the physical toll of wicketkeeping in a congested schedule. Over the past two...