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MS Dhoni in IPL 2025 for CSK (Source:AFP)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan has confirmed that legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni is expected to play in all matches of the upcoming IPL 2026. While fans have long speculated about MS Dhoni's availability given his age, Kasi Viswanathan made it clear that MS Dhoni will remain an active part of the team.
The 19th edition of the IPL is set to begin on March 28, 2026, with the opening match likely to feature RCB taking on CSK at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The following night, the Punjab Kings are expected to face the Gujarat Titans, according to reports from Cricbuzz.
IPL 2026 schedule and preparations underway
All franchises have already started their training camps in preparation for the cash-rich tournament. Players returning from international duty, particularly those who featured in the recently concluded ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, are set to join their teams soon.
The BCCI has indicated that the first 20-day schedule for IPL 2026 will be announced shortly, taking into account election dates in states such as Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. The rest of the tournament schedule will be revealed later.
CSK CEO clarifies on MS Dhoni's role for IPL 2026
If the reports are to be believed, the first match of IPL 2026 (RCB vs CSK) will see MS Dhoni vs Virat Kohli.
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As the excitement is at an all-time high among the fans to witness MS Dhoni, the CEO clarified that the star player will play all matches in IPL 2026. However, his role in the squad, whether as a wicketkeeper-batter, an impact player, or a batter , will ultimately be decided by the team's cricketing staff.
“He will play all the matches, according to me."
"That I cannot say. The cricket staff will make that decision. Not by the administrative personnel. They will determine whether he will play as an impact player, a batsman, or a wicketkeeper-batter,” Viswanathan said.
CSK optimistic about ICC T20 World Cup 2026 performers
Kasi Viswanathan also expressed his satisfaction with the performance of CSK players Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube during the T20 World Cup 2026.
It is vital to mention that Sanju Samson is the third-highest run scorer in the global tournament. He played in five matches and scored 321 runs at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37. His tally also includes three half-centuries.
On the other hand, Ishan Kishan was the fourth highest run-getter with 317 runs in nine matches at an average of 35.22 and a strike rate of 193.29.
Both players contributed significantly to India's success in the tournament, boosting the confidence that they will also perform strongly for CSK in the IPL.
“I am very happy that the Indian team has won back-to-back World Cups, and we are also delighted because two of our CSK players, Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube, did extremely well… This gives a lot of confidence that they’ll do well for our team CSK as well,” Viswanathan said.
Sanju Samson's recent move from Rajasthan Royals to CSK raised several questions about MS Dhoni's role as a wicketkeeper. However, the CEO made it clear that the team management will carefully plan how both players are utilised.
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