MS Dhoni is yet to officially decide whether he will join Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as the head coach or a team mentor. The franchise has reportedly put all pre-season activities on hold, including auction planning and appointments, until the veteran makes his final decision on the leadership role.
Chennai Super Kings endured a highly disappointing IPL 2026 campaign. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team finished eighth in the points table with six wins and eight losses. Dhoni also missed the entire 14-match season after suffering calf and thumb injuries, marking the first time he has missed an entire season.
CSK Puts Pre-Season Plans on Hold Over MS Dhoni’s Decision
Rohit Juglan from RevSportz reported that Chennai Super Kings have put their major pre-season activities on hold as they await MS Dhoni’s decision on his future role. The franchise wants Dhoni to take up either the head coach or mentor position ahead of the mini-auction.
“It’s not good news for Dhoni and CSK fans because Chennai Super Kings have put all their activities on hold. For the auction, coaches, selection, and even rejection, they need either a coach or a mentor. And for one of these two positions, they still want Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s approval. In other words, it won’t be anyone else; it will be MS Dhoni himself.”
“Sources have confirmed to me that Mahendra Singh Dhoni will take one of these two positions, and once that happens, you will immediately see these activities resume. So, at this point of time, the chances are very bleak that you will see Dhoni as a player in the upcoming season.”
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CSK Searching for New Head Coach After Stephen Fleming’s Exit
CSK mutually parted ways with head coach Stephen Fleming. The former New Zealand captain had a 19-year association with CSK, first representing the franchise as a player in the inaugural 2008 season before becoming head coach in 2009.
Fleming remained in charge until 2026 and guided CSK to five IPL titles during his long partnership with Dhoni. The franchise is searching for a head coach for the first time in many years.
CSK also face the challenge of rebuilding after missing the IPL playoffs for three consecutive seasons from 2024 to 2026. The five-time champions finished eighth after winning only six of their 14 matches during IPL 2026.
MS Dhoni has been an integral part of CSK since the franchise’s early years. He captained the team from 2009 to 2023 and led them to all five of their IPL titles. CSK retained him for ₹4 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction under the revised uncapped-player rule.
MS Dhoni’s IPL 2025 Numbers Before 2026 Injury
MS Dhoni last played for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2025 season and missed the entire 2026 campaign. He scored 196 runs in 13 innings from 14 matches at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17. The former India captain mostly batted at No. 7 or No. 8.
He smashed 26 runs off just 11 deliveries against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to help CSK in a crucial phase of the match. Dhoni also contributed behind the stumps with five catches and five stumpings during the 2025 season.
However, a severe pre-season calf and thumb injury ruled him out of the entire IPL 2026 season. It was the first time Dhoni missed a complete IPL tournament. His playing future remains uncertain, as Dhoni is yet to announce his plans for the upcoming season.
