CSK CEO Confirms MS Dhoni’s Return for IPL 2026, Clears Air on Sanju Samson Trade Rumours
CSK rules out Sanju Samson trade, confirms MS Dhoni for IPL 2026.
As the IPL 2025 retention deadline approaches, rumours of major player trades have set the cricketing world buzzing. Among them, one of the biggest stories was a possible move involving Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings (CSK). However, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has categorically dismissed the speculation, clarifying that the franchise is not pursuing any such trade.
When asked by news agency IANS about reports suggesting Samson’s potential switch to CSK, Viswanathan firmly replied, “No, not likely, not likely.” His statement put an end to growing speculation after reports on Cricbuzz claimed the trade was “back on the table.” While trade moves across franchises could still emerge before the November 15 retention deadline, CSK has made its stance clear concerning Samson.
In a more reassuring update for fans, Viswanathan confirmed that CSK’s talisman, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, is set to play in the 2026 Indian Premier League season. “He is likely to play. That is the current status. We have a feeling that he will play in this upcoming IPL,” the CSK CEO said. This confirmation will delight fans who have long associated Dhoni with the yellow jersey since the league’s inception in 2008.
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Dhoni returned as captain midway through the 2025 season after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury cut short his leadership stint. Despite CSK’s difficult campaign, where they finished at the bottom of the table with only four wins from 14 matches, Dhoni’s commitment to the team remains unwavering. His presence in IPL 2026 will mark his 17th season leading the Chennai franchise and 19th overall in the competition.
Across his illustrious IPL career, Dhoni has played 248 matches for CSK, scoring 4,865 runs and leading the team to five titles—2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. With 158 catches and 47 stumpings to his name, the wicketkeeper-batter’s legacy in the tournament is unmatched. As CSK gears up for a new season, all eyes will once again be on Dhoni, whose influence both on and off the field continues to define the spirit of the franchise.
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