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MS Dhoni To Play IPL 2027? CSK CEO Drops Massive Hint

Soumyajit Dutta

MS Dhoni might play in IPL 2027 [Image Source: AFP]MS Dhoni might play in IPL 2027 [Image Source: AFP]

MS Dhoni's IPL future appeared to be moving towards a farewell from the field after he missed the entire 2026 season because of injuries, with reports even suggesting that he could take up a mentoring role at Chennai Super Kings instead. However, the latest word from CSK has reopened the possibility of another Dhoni appearance in the IPL 2027. 

Amid separate rumours that the former India captain had sought a stake in the franchise, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has made it clear that MS Dhoni is still in contention to play IPL 2027.

CSK CEO Shares Positive Update On MS Dhoni Playing In IPL 2027

As revealed in a latest report by PTI's Kushan Sarkar, the CSK CEO commented on MS Dhoni’s availability for IPL 2027 while speaking with former India skipper Krish Srikkanth and his son Aniruddha on their YouTube show.

"Dhoni hasn't yet said he won't play. So let's wait," Kasi Viswanathan said when asked about the star player’s availability for next season.

The statement is significant because Dhoni's playing future had appeared increasingly uncertain after his absence from the entire IPL 2026 campaign.

The uncertainty around Dhoni had intensified after reports claimed that he was unlikely to continue as a player in 2027 and could instead move into a mentor or coaching role with CSK. 

As things stand now, rather than confirming Dhoni's retirement or transition into a permanent off-field role, CSK have effectively left the decision with the player for IPL 2027.

Also Read- CSK Issue Official Statement On MS Dhoni's IPL Future For 2027 Season

Dhoni last played for CSK in the 2025 season, before a calf strain during the 2026 pre-season and a subsequent thumb injury ruled him out of the entire tournament. That naturally fuelled speculation over whether Dhoni's playing career had reached its end. Yet CSK's CEO has now refused to close that chapter.

The timing is particularly interesting because, as per some reports, MS Dhoni is also allegedly seeking an ownership stake in CSK, for which Kasi has also provided a separate answer.

Did MS Dhoni Ask For Stake In CSK Franchise?

While MS Dhoni's playing future remains open, there has been a rumour that he had sought an 18-25% stake in the franchise. As per the YouTube show talk, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan termed the rumour "completely baseless."

That effectively puts the ownership speculation to rest, at least for now. There is no confirmation that Dhoni has asked for or is negotiating for a stake in Chennai Super Kings.

The rumour, however, is understandable in the context of Dhoni's extraordinary relationship with the franchise. He has been synonymous with CSK since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, has led the team to multiple titles and has remained one of the most influential figures in its history.

If Dhoni eventually decides to move away from playing, an expanded role within CSK would not be surprising. Nevertheless, for now, the only clear message from CSK is that the reported stake claim from the cricket star is false. 

MS Dhoni's Injury Timeline Since 2025

Dhoni's uncertainty for IPL 2027 cannot be separated from the physical problems that have increasingly affected his final years as a player.

At 45 years of age, the demands of wicketkeeping, batting and the explosive movement required in T20 cricket become considerably harder to manage, and his recent injury history has reflected that challenge.

IPL 2025: Knee Problems

  • March-April 2025: Dhoni dealt with a persistent right-knee issue during the tournament. Despite the discomfort, he continued playing and was carefully managed between matches.
  • April 10, 2025: Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a radial neck fracture. MS Dhoni consequently returned to the CSK captaincy.
  • April 2025: His mobility became a concern after he was seen struggling with his knee following a match. CSK coach Stephen Fleming indicated that the injury was being managed rather than ignored.
  • May 2025: Despite the knee problem, Dhoni played all 14 league matches of CSK's campaign.

IPL 2026: Calf Injury Ends His Season

  • March 28, 2026: CSK announced that Dhoni had suffered a calf strain during pre-season running drills, ruling him out for at least the opening two weeks.
  • April 2026: He gradually resumed training at Chepauk but remained restricted to lighter work and throwdowns as he continued his rehabilitation.
  • April 26, 2026: Stephen Fleming revealed that Dhoni had tweaked the calf again during a warm-up game, forcing CSK to take an even more cautious approach. A premature return risked making the injury significantly worse.
  • May 2026: The setback prevented Dhoni from returning during the tournament. He ultimately missed the entire IPL 2026 season, making it the first IPL campaign of his career in which he did not play a single match.

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