MS Dhoni featured in the IPL 2025 season for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the age of 43. He returned to the leadership role after regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out midway through the tournament due to injury.

However, Dhoni failed to turn CSK’s fortunes around as the five-time champions became the first team to be knocked out of the playoffs race and finished last in the points table for the first time ever.

After CSK’s dismal show, many experts and former cricketers felt that Dhoni won’t play the IPL again. However, their predictions proved to be wrong as the wicketkeeper-batter is all set to return for the Super Kings in the 2026 season, having been retained by the franchise last November.

As the 19th edition of IPL draws closer, a report published by PTI claims that Dhoni is unlikely to play every league game with CSK’s marquee acquisition Sanju Samson now in the ranks.

“We can confirm that he is coming to Chennai and has confirmed his availability for the season,” a senior CSK source told the news agency on condition of anonymity.

“Whether he will play all the games or not is something we cannot say at the moment,” the source added.

With the Impact Player rule in place, Dhoni’s batting services have not been needed extensively over the past two editions. His role with the bat has largely been limited to late-order cameos.

CSK’s squad for the 2026 season features three wicketkeeper batters. Samson is certain to don the gloves in matches where Dhoni does not participate. There is also Urvil Patel in the lineup, in addition to the 14.20 crore recruit, Kartik Sharma.

Over the years, Dhoni has been battling injuries related to knee and back, and the physical demands of keeping wickets can take a toll at this stage of his career.

What appears certain, however, is that Dhoni will play most of CSK’s home games at Chepauk, where he enjoys huge fan support.

(With PTI Inputs)