MS Dhoni missed the entire IPL 2026 season due to injury.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan has addressed MS Dhoni’s possible participation in the upcoming IPL season, hoping that the legendary cricketer will try his best to play another eason for the franchise.
Notably, Dhoni did not play a single match in IPL 2026. This marked the first time in the tournament’s 19-year history that the former CSK captain missed an entire season.
Just before the tournament kicked off in March, CSK announced that Dhoni had suffered a calf strain. While he was initially expected to miss only the first two weeks, he aggravated the injury during his rehabilitation.
Ever since CSK's league-stage exit, discussions have shifted to Dhoni's future in the IPL. At 45 years old, it remains to be seen whether he returns as a player for the 2027 edition or not.
Speaking to the local media in Chennai, Viswanathan revealed that the decision to play or not to play was one that the franchise management left entirely to Dhoni.
"It's a question you need to ask him. I also have to ask him. He informs us of his decision when he arrives in Chennai. I have a feeling that the chances of him continuing to play for CSK are there. He is still a player, you know," Viswanathan told reporters.
CSK have missed out on the playoffs for three consecutive seasons (2024, 2025, and 2026). Ahead of the 2027 season, the franchise has made sweeping changes to its high-profile coaching staff.
Former India pacer Zaheer Khan has been appointed as the new head coach, replacing Stephen Fleming, who stepped down following a historic 16-year tenure.
Bowling coach Eric Simons is also out of the coaching staff, with former India pacer Mohit Sharma being handed the responsibilities. CSK have parted ways with their long-serving batting coach Michael Hussey as well, but they are yet to announce a replacement for the Australian legend.
Additionally, the future of fielding coach James Foster remains uncertain as the franchise has reportedly put a decision regarding his contract extension on hold for the time being.
According to reports, MS Dhoni is playing a decisive role in the coaching changes at the franchise. Earlier, Viswanathan himself confirmed that Zaheer’s name for the head coach role was suggested by Dhoni.
“It was not an administrative decision. The cricket committee decided this. It was MS’s suggestion. He spoke to captain Rutu (Ruturaj Gikwad) and both had a discussion with owner Rupa (Gurunath) and thus the decision was arrived at," Viswanathan had told Cricbuzz.