MS Dhoni might not play all matches in IPL 2026:Report makes massive revelation on 44-year-old CSK great

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is set to be in action for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2026 season. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) great, who is 44 years old, will turn 45 this July. The CSK management has confirmed his availability, but considering workload management, he might take a break from some matches. Dhoni was among the players retained by CSK ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction for ₹4 crore. Last season, before the mega auction, the five-time IPL-winning skipper was retained as an ‘uncapped player.’ According to a PTI report, a top source from CSK said, ‘We can confirm that Dhoni is coming to Chennai and has made his availability clear for this season. But whether he will play all the matches or not, it is difficult to say at the moment.’ With Sanju Samson’s arrival, the wicketkeeping option has opened up
This time, Sanju Samson has entered the Chennai Super Kings squad. With Samson’s arrival, the team has strong wicketkeeping options. The management plans that in matches where Dhoni is rested, Samson will take over the gloves. Dhoni has been struggling with knee and back problems for some time now. In such a situation, wicketkeeping in every match at the age of 45 can be challenging for his body. Apart from Sanju, Urvil Patel and Karthik Sharma are also included in the team as wicketkeepers. Karthik was bought by CSK for 14.20 crore rupees. He is being groomed as a finisher alongside Shivam Dube. Can benefit from the Impact Player Rule
Like last season, Dhoni can appear as an ‘Impact Player’ this time too. He has been playing the role of a finisher by coming in the lower order. To stay fit, he has limited his batting to only a few specific overs. The team management wants Dhoni to be on the field, even if he bats only in the last few overs or guides the team like a mentor. Expected to appear in every home game at Chepauk
Dhoni has an emotional connection with Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium and its fans. Sources say that Dhoni will try to play all the home matches held in Chennai. His popularity among fans is still the same, and as soon as he steps onto the field, the entire stadium echoes with ‘Dhoni-Dhoni’ chants. The team also includes young wicketkeepers like Urvil Patel and Kartik Sharma, who will be ready as backups. Retirement was discussed during the last IPL match
During the last IPL season, when his parents arrived at the stadium to watch the match, there were speculations about his retirement. His wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva were also with his parents. After the match, CSK coach Stephen Fleming had said that he had no information about Dhoni’s retirement. Dhoni’s parents had come to watch one of his matches after 20 years. Dhoni debuted in international cricket in 2004. In 2007, as captain, he led India to win the T20 World Cup. In 2011, he also led India to win the ODI World Cup. However, even during this period, his father Pan Singh and mother Devaki Devi never went to any stadium in the world to watch him. Most matches in IPL by Dhoni
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is at the top among players with the most matches in the IPL. He has played 278 matches so far. Dhoni has led Chennai Super Kings to five titles. He has scored 5439 runs at an average of 38.30. During this period, Dhoni also scored 24 half-centuries. He has also made 47 stumpings and taken 158 catches as a wicketkeeper. Dhoni, the only captain to win 100 matches in IPL
Dhoni is the only captain to win 100 matches in IPL. He has captained in the most IPL matches, 235. Rohit Sharma is second on this list, having captained in 158 matches, winning 87. CSK’s last and fifth title came in 2023 under Dhoni’s captaincy. On 20 February, CSK commemorated Dhoni’s signing at the first-ever IPL auction in the year 2008.