MS Dhoni Kasi Vishwanathan for CSK. Image Credits: AFP/X
The bond between MS Dhoni and the CSK is one of the most iconic partnerships in the history of the IPL. Since the tournament began in 2008, MS Dhoni has been the face of the franchise and has guided the team to multiple titles.
However, recent reports suggest that the legendary wicketkeeper-batter was extremely unhappy with a decision taken by the CSK management ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
MS Dhoni upset over Ravindra Jadeja trade
According to reports, MS Dhoni was reportedly upset when CSK allowed star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to move to the Rajasthan Royals.
The trade involved CSK acquiring Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals, while Jadeja returned to the franchise where he started his IPL career.
It is important to note that Jadeja has been one of CSK’s most reliable performers for many years and played a key role in several of the franchise’s IPL triumphs.
As per reports from Cric Blogger, MS Dhoni was not pleased with the decision to let Ravindra Jadeja leave. The former CSK captain reportedly felt that Jadeja was too valuable to the team to be traded away.
Also Read: MS Dhoni IPL Retirement All But Confirmed By Ex-CSK Teammate Before 2026 Season
Speculation even suggested that Dhoni was so frustrated with the move that he considered stepping away from the team before the start of the IPL 2026 season.
The reports claimed that he told the franchise management that the upcoming season could be his final year with CSK following the controversial swap.
“MS Dhoni has even told the franchise that this year would be his last with Chennai Super Kings after the swap,” the source added.
MS Dhoni considered skipping IPL 2026
Despite the rumours, CSK officials have not publicly confirmed any disagreement between MS Dhoni and the management.
According to reports, MS Dhoni had actually supported the idea of bringing Sanju Samson into the team. The former Indian captain reportedly viewed the Sanju as a strong candidate to eventually take over the gloves behind the stumps. However, Dhoni was reluctant to part ways with Jadeja for IPL 2026.
Interestingly, the relationship between Dhoni and Jadeja has also seen ups and downs in the past. In IPL 2022, Dhoni even stepped down as captain to hand over leadership responsibilities to Jadeja.
The experiment did not go as planned, and Dhoni had to return as captain midway through the season. Rumours of tension between the two players surfaced again at that time, but those reports were later dismissed.
Ravindra Jadeja's number in IPL
Looking at Ravindra Jadeja’s career in the IPL, the star player has played for four franchises over the years (CSK, GT, Kochi, and RR). In IPL, Jadeja has played in 254 matches and made 3260 runs at an average of 27.86 and a strike-rate of 130.29. With the ball, he has bagged 170 wickets in 254 matches at an economy rate of 7.67.
For CSK, Jadeja has played 186 matches and made 2198 runs at an average of 28.55 and a strike-rate of 136.10. With the ball, he has taken 143 wickets in 186 matches at an economy rate of 7.64 for the ‘Yellow Army’.
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