The 19th edition of the IPL is scheduled to begin on March 28, with franchises already starting their training camps.
File Photo: IANS
Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed that veteran wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni is expected to play the full season of the Indian Premier League in 2026, while adding that the final decision regarding his role will be taken by the team’s coaching staff.
The 19th edition of the IPL is scheduled to begin on March 28, with franchises already starting their training camps. CSK began their preparations in Chennai earlier this month under the leadership of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, with former skipper Dhoni joining the squad and training alongside his teammates.
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Speculation about the five-time IPL-winning captain’s future had intensified after CSK traded Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals. The move had led to suggestions that the veteran could reduce his on-field involvement this season.
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However, Dhoni arrived in Chennai during the first week of March and has been actively training with the squad. The 44-year-old also began preparations earlier in Ranchi with light net sessions before joining the team camp.
Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Kasi made it clear that the legendary cricketer is likely to feature throughout the season.
“He will play the matches, all matches,” Kasi Viswanathan told reporters in Chennai.
When asked whether Dhoni could be used as an Impact Player during the tournament, he said the decision would rest entirely with the cricketing staff.
“I can’t say. That’s a cricketing decision which will be taken by the cricketing staff, not by the administrative staff. They will decide whether he is going to play as a batter, or a wicketkeeper-batter or as an Impact Player.”
Dhoni has played the full season in the previous two editions of the IPL despite ongoing speculation about his retirement and a persistent knee issue that he managed during those campaigns. In IPL 2025, he also took over the captaincy midway through the tournament after Gaikwad suffered an injury.
Kasi reiterated that Dhoni is expected to feature in every match of the upcoming season.
“He will play all the matches, according to me,” he said.
Asked about the role the veteran could take in the team, especially with Samson now part of the squad, he repeated that the final decision would be taken by the coaching group.
“That I cannot say. That is a cricketing decision which will be taken by the cricketing staff. Not by the administrative staff. So they will decide whether he is going to play as a batsman or as a wicketkeeper-batter, or as an impact player.”
The CSK CEO also said the franchise is awaiting the official announcement of the tournament schedule, which is expected soon.
“We are supposed to play in Tamil Nadu only. So we are waiting for the schedule to be announced by the BCCI,” he said.
Kasi further expressed satisfaction with the performances of CSK players Samson and Shivam Dube during India’s successful campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
“We are very happy that India has won the World Cup, that too they’ve won it back-to-back. We are delighted because two of the CSK players, Sanju and Shivam Dube, have performed extremely well. It gives us a lot of confidence in the team doing well for CSK here also.”
Providing an update on the team’s preparations, Kasi added that the training camp has been progressing smoothly.
“Practice is going on well, no problems so far,” he said.
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