MS Dhoni poised for IPL 2026 return after CSK ropes in N Srinivasan: Reports
Fans across the nation wait all year to see MS Dhoni back on the cricket field. At 44, the former World Cup-winning skipper commands unmatched fanfare. While other players’ performances are dissected, in Dhoni’s case, his very presence is celebrated like a festival. As the spotlight shifts to the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League, discussions around his return have already begun like an annual ritual. Meanwhile, CSK’s latest move has sparked optimism about the veteran’s participation in IPL 2026.
Srinivasan's appointment as CSK chairman hints at the return of MS Dhoni for IPL 2026
On Wednesday, Chennai Super Kings announced the appointment of N Srinivasan as the franchise's chairman. At 80, the former ICC chief is gearing up for a comeback to cricket administration. Srinivasan has close ties with the five-time IPL champions. Prior to CSK's two-season ban in 2016-17 due to fixing allegations, the Srinivasan-led India Cements owned the franchise. However, the ban marked the departure of India Cements and Srinivasan from the scene before CSK returned to play in IPL 2018.
Meanwhile, Srinivasan's return to the CSK den has been perceived as an uplifting sign for MS Dhoni's future in the league. Dhoni has led Chennai to five IPL trophies, making the team the joint-most successful franchise in the history of the tournament. Despite a two-season ban, CSK holds the record for the most playoff and final appearances. In 18 seasons of the IPL, CSK has qualified for the playoffs 12 times, finished as runners-up on five occasions, and lifted the trophy in five editions of the T20 league.
Following CSK's IPL 2023 victory, their fifth title win, Dhoni handed the captaincy to the young Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, CSK has not managed to emulate its trademark domination in the last two seasons. IPL 2024 saw Chennai Super Kings miss out on qualifying for the playoffs after a narrow defeat to RCB in the final league-stage match. Meanwhile, IPL 2025 turned out to be CSK's worst-ever season in the history of the league.
The team combination did not click as CSK lost 10 out of their 14 matches in the league stage. Amid the already struggling run, the franchise had to endure a significant injury setback when skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined with a fractured elbow. Gaikwad's injury led to MS Dhoni reclaiming the CSK captaincy for the remainder of IPL 2025. However, even his return to the leading role could not turn around the team's performance, as CSK ended up at the bottom of the points table for the first time in IPL history.
Now, as the five-time champions look forward to rectifying their standings in IPL 2026, recent reports have suggested that MS Dhoni is all set to return to the setup. The former Indian captain has never confirmed his future plans for the IPL. While fans and the fraternity speculate about his participation, Dhoni maintains his secrecy around the discussion. Dhoni wrapped up IPL 2025 with a cheeky, "I'm not saying I'm done, I'm not saying that I'm coming back."
However, apart from his cryptic replies, the former skipper has, time and again, reiterated that his participation depends on his fitness. The 44-year-old has been suffering from a knee issue for quite some time. Dhoni even had to undergo knee surgery following the IPL 2023 victory before returning to play the next season. Moreover, in a recent interaction, Dhoni once again mentioned his fitness when a fan requested the veteran to play in IPL 2026.
“I don't know whether I'll play or not. I have time to decide. I have some time until December, so I'll take another couple of months, and then finally, I can make my decision,” Dhoni had said. “Arre, ghutne me jo dard hota hai uska take care kaun karega (The pain I have in my knees, who will take care of that)?" he added, replying to the fan's request.
Now, while no official confirmation has arrived, the appointment of Srinivasan as the CSK chairman is being linked to Dhoni's future with the team. Although CSK suffered a disappointing run in IPL 2025, their lineup for the next season looks explosive with the return of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Dewald Brevis. Above all, CSK can always rely on the experience and tactical brilliance that Dhoni brings to the combination.
