MS Dhoni takes a final decision on IPL future, tells CSK
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Claims have once again been speculated over the extension of MS Dhoni's stay with the IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings. He is likely to play in IPL 2026 as well, though an official confirmation from CSK, as well as Dhoni, is yet to be made.
MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian skipper, had retired from the International format back in 2020; however, despite that, he continued to star for the IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings. Ever since the batter turned 40 back in 2021, there have been reports chasing his probable retirement from the tournament.
Considering his sublime fitness and his role as wicket-keeper not being so demanding for his body, Dhoni has continued to not only play for CSK but also lead them to a fifth title in 2023 and captain CSK at times in the absence of current skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad.
MS Dhoni to continue playing for CSK in IPL 2026
With another new IPL season approaching, the teams have all been set on making their list of retained as well as released players. However, the buzz on Dhoni's retirement has once again gained momentum ahead of another season in the IPL.
Though no confirmation has been provided officially by MS Dhoni or the CSK management, the news on social media echoes Dhoni's stay with the franchise for the upcoming season as well.
However, CSK is seeking a new long-term wicket-keeping option in the upcoming mini-auction, which is scheduled to be held in December 2025.
"Yes, for now, the news is that MS Dhoni is all set to play another season for CSK. With another season comes the same anticipation, the same dilemma of whether Dhoni will play or not," said Rohit Juglan on his YouTube channel.
Top-3 wicket-keeping choices to end CSK's quest for an ideal wicket-keeper batsman
With CSK having been reported to be on the hunt for a wicket-keeper batter, they have cited many options, with the biggest of them being Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson. However, there will be many options for CSK to pick in the mini-auction; hence, they have lowered their tone on the possible trade of Samson.
Top 3 wicket-keeping choices on the auction table for CSK might be in the form of one Indian and two overseas wicket-keeper batters. Sanju Samson might still be on the cards for the Chennai-based franchise.
The other two options might be young England wicket-keeper Jamie Smith and New Zealand wicket-keeper batsman Tim Seifert. While Smith has proved himself across formats on the international front, he is known more for his technical prowess, unlike Seifert, who announced himself in T20I cricket and rose to immediate fame for his brute nature.
Ruturaj Gaikwad to resume as CSK skipper in IPL 2026 after mid-season exit in IPL 2025
Indian batter Ruturaj Gaikwad was appointed as the skipper of the Chennai Super Kings for the IPL 2024. This marked the franchise's first move to move on from MS Dhoni. Gaikwad captained CSK throughout 2024 but failed to be promising in his debut as skipper.
He then continued as their skipper in the first half of the IPL in 2025 but was later ruled out due to an elbow injury and, as a result, was replaced by MS Dhoni for the rest of the season. Though CSK ended their season in a disaster with the last position in the Points table, Gaikwad was considered to be retained as the skipper for the upcoming season.
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