Whether Dhoni plays IPL 2027 is his call, says CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan
Chennai Super Kings chief executive Kasi Viswanathan says the franchise has left the decision on playing next season entirely to Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who missed IPL 2026 with an injury.
Talk about the IPL future of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, former India captain and veteran of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has picked up again. The question is whether he will take the field in IPL 2027. Injury forced Dhoni to miss the entire IPL 2026 season.
CSK chief executive officer Kasi Viswanathan has made it clear that there is still cricket left in Dhoni and that the decision to play next season will be his alone. Speaking to the media in Chennai, Viswanathan said the franchise has left the decision entirely to Dhoni.
Viswanathan said, "You should ask this question to Dhoni himself. I too will have to ask him. When he comes to Chennai, he tells us about his decision. I feel he has room to keep playing for Chennai Super Kings. He is still a player."
Dhoni is now 45 and could not play a single match in IPL 2026 because of injury. This is why fans are curious whether he will return to the field next season.
Suresh Raina also hopeful
Suresh Raina, former CSK player and former India batter, also wants Dhoni to play one more IPL season. Raina spoke to Dhoni about it after taking part in CSK's traditional "lap of honour" at the Chepauk ground.
Raina said, "I told Dhoni that you did not play in IPL 2026, so that season will not count. You will have to take the field again next year."
Raina also hinted that Dhoni has not fully closed the door on a comeback. According to him, Dhoni's decision will be a personal one and he feels Dhoni is positive about it. Raina said the mood in the team is good again and fans too want Dhoni to return. Dhoni has said "let's see", so Raina hopes he may work towards a comeback.
Sanju Samson as successor
There is also talk about who will take over as CSK's wicketkeeper after Dhoni. By bringing Sanju Samson into the squad last season, CSK had given a possible answer to this question.
CSK's performance in IPL 2026 was disappointing. The team won 6 of its 14 matches and lost 8, finishing eighth on the points table.
Fans are now watching to see whether Dhoni will return in IPL 2027. The CSK management has made it clear that the final decision will be Dhoni's.
