Will MS Dhoni Play In IPL 2026?The mystery surrounding MS Dhoni and his future in the IPL is starting to clear up as the franchise approaches the deadline for announcing their lists of retained and released players. This time, itâ€s none other than the CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan who has opened up about Dhoniâ€s decision.
Ever since he retired from international cricket in August 2020, fans, commentators, and everyone with a view on cricket and IPL have anticipated the months leading up to an auction with Dhoniâ€s future on their minds.
Following the IPL matches in the past few seasons, cricketers have been asking for Dhoniâ€s signature on their jerseys, perhaps expecting for it to be the last time they will take the field with Dhoni in the IPL.
However, each time, Dhoni, despite aging and now well beyond 40, surprises everyone by playing yet another IPL season, not least for the fact that he captained CSK once again last season after Ruturaj Gaikwad got injured and has been donning the specialist finisherâ€s role for the last two IPL seasons.
Viswanathan has now come bearing the news about Dhoni and next yearâ€s IPL.
Will MS Dhoni Play In IPL 2026?
Yes, MS Dhoni will play in IPL 2026, as has been confirmed by the CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan, who told Cricbuzz, “MS has told us that he will be available for the next season.â€
When is the IPL retention deadline date?
November 15 is the deadline date for the franchises to announce their retained and released players.
With the IPL auction not far away and the deadline date even closer, a confirmation on Dhoniâ€s future was expected, and it has been delivered now.
Currently 44, Dhoni will be nearing the age of 45 by the time the IPL next year will conclude in May-June. Itâ€s difficult to imagine him playing beyond IPL 2026, but the Ranchi-born is known to defy the odds, even the challenge of aging.
Last season, CSK endured the 10th position for the first time in the IPL. They won only four games out of 10 and missed skipper and opener Gaikwad, who was ruled out after playing five matches.
Is Sanju Samson joining CSK?
The news of Dhoni playing next year comes in the backdrop of the rumor that CSK are looking to trade in Sanju Samson, who has told his franchise, Rajasthan Royals, that he wants to leave them and either be traded or dropped in the auction pool.
According to Cricbuzz, CSK and RR are in “contact over a potential trade involving Samson, and it would not be a surprise if a top CSK player is included in the deal.â€
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