Speculation surrounding the legendary MS Dhoni’s potential retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the 2026 season has intensified. Dhoni, a cornerstone of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise, is the oldest active player in the league at 44, making his future a constant topic of discussion, especially with the IPL 2026 mega auction approaching.
CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan recently offered insight into the situation, reassuring fans while emphasizing that the ultimate decision rests solely with the iconic captain. The deadline for franchises to submit their list of released players is rapidly approaching, adding urgency to the discussions.
In a lighthearted exchange captured on video, when asked by young fans about Dhoni’s retirement plans, Viswanathan stated, “No he is not retiring for this IPL.” When probed further about a potential retirement date, he humorously responded, “I will ask him and get back to you.”
Dhoni’s association with CSK is unparalleled in franchise cricket history. Revered as ‘Thala’ by fans, he has captained the team to five IPL titles and embodies the franchise’s spirit. Though he retired from international cricket in 2020, his influence on the IPL continues, often seen providing explosive cameos lower down the batting order.