MS Dhoni to play all matches, confirms CSK CEO:Coaching staff to determine Thala’s role as he starts training for new season

MS Dhoni will play the full IPL 2026 season. This was confirmed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan on Wednesday, 11 March. However, he said that the coaching staff will decide what Dhoni’s role in the team will be. MS Dhoni began training in early March The 44-year-old Dhoni had reached Chennai at the beginning of March and is practising with the team. Under the leadership of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, the team has started preparations for the new season. Dhoni had started his preparation last month with light net sessions in Ranchi .Sanju Samson’s arrival sparked speculation After Sanju Samson’s arrival at CSK from Rajasthan Royals, discussions intensified that Dhoni might play fewer matches or have a limited role this time. However, the team management has clarified that Dhoni will be available for the entire season. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said that Dhoni will play all matches this season. However, whether he will be used as a batsman, wicketkeeper-batsman, or impact player will be decided by the team’s cricketing staff. Dhoni’s CSK finished last in IPL 2025 In IPL 2025, after Ruturaj Gaikwad was injured, Dhoni took over the team’s captaincy in the middle of the tournament. Despite this, CSK finished last in the points table for the first time in IPL history. Meanwhile, Viswanathan also confirmed that CSK will play all their home matches in Chennai. Despite the assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, he does not foresee any major problems regarding the organization. Viswanathan expressed happiness over India winning the T20 World Cup for the second consecutive time. He said that CSK players Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube performed brilliantly in the tournament, which will also boost the team’s confidence. Dhoni holds the record for most matches in IPL Mahendra Singh Dhoni is at the top among those who have played the most matches in IPL. He has played 278 matches so far. He has led Chennai Super Kings to five titles. He has scored 5439 runs at an average of 38.30. During this, Dhoni has also scored 24 half-centuries. He has also made 47 stumpings and taken 154 catches as a wicketkeeper.