Veteran wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni has once again become the centre of attention ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after joining the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp for pre-season training in Chennai. With captain Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the preparations, the five-time champions have begun their build-up for what they hope will be a strong comeback season after a disappointing campaign last year.
Dhoni has been actively training with the squad and looked in good rhythm during the sessions, but the biggest talking point surrounding the franchise remains his availability for the upcoming season. As speculation continues to swirl around his role and workload, fans are eager to know whether the legendary cricketer will feature throughout the entire IPL 2026 campaign for CSK.
CSK CEO opens up on MS Dhoni’s availability for IPL 2026
Amid the growing speculation, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has now provided clarity on Dhoni’s availability for the upcoming season. Speaking to reporters in Chennai on Wednesday, Viswanathan confirmed that the legendary cricketer is expected to feature throughout the IPL 2026 campaign.
“He will play the matches, all matches,” Viswanathan said, putting an end to rumours that Dhoni might skip part of the season or take on a limited role.
However, the franchise is yet to finalize the exact role Dhoni will play in the team. Viswanathan explained that such decisions will be taken by the coaching staff depending on the team’s requirements during the tournament.
“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,” he added.
CSK aiming to bounce back after difficult season
The IPL 2026 season holds special importance for CSK as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign. For the first time since the league began in 2008, CSK finished at the bottom of the points table, a result that shocked fans and analysts alike.
With Gaikwad continuing as captain and Dhoni providing guidance and experience, the franchise will be eager to rediscover the consistency that made them one of the most successful teams in IPL history.
High expectations from T20 World Cup hero Sanju Samson
One of the biggest storylines heading into the season is the arrival of Sanju Samson, who recently played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 triumph.
Samson enjoyed a sensational tournament, scoring 321 runs and finishing as the third-highest run-scorer while maintaining a remarkable strike rate of 199.37. His performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award and further cemented his reputation as one of the most destructive T20 batters. The wicketkeeper-batter joined CSK in a blockbuster trade that saw Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran move to Rajasthan Royals.
