While underlining that CSK would always want MS Dhoni to stay involved with the team in some fashion, Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan stated that any choice about the former captain's future with the team will be totally up to him. The CEO of CSK clarified that the team still views Dhoni as a long-term member of Chennai's setup in the face of mounting retirement rumours following IPL 2026.
After losing badly to Gujarat Titans earlier this month and being eliminated from the playoffs, CSK had yet another poor IPL season. After the season, Kasi Viswanathan discussed Dhoni's future in an interview with RevSportz. He also praised the famous wicketkeeper's influence on current captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.

As of right moment, we haven't talked about anything with MS. We appreciate MS's autonomy in making judgements," Kasi stated."As a player, coach, mentor, or in any other role he chooses, we would always like to have him as a permanent fixture at CSK. He is the one who makes all decisions.
Kasi also acknowledged that Ruturaj's development into a composed leader during CSK's transition period was aided by Dhoni and head coach Stephen Fleming.
After closely observing MS for three or four years, Ruturaj took over. Ruturaj has become a very composed captain thanks to MS and Fleming. He will undoubtedly continue to exhibit those traits in the years to come, he continued.

After a season in which the 44-year-old missed every game due to numerous physical setbacks, the uncertainty around Dhoni's future has only grown. IPL 2026 felt more and more like the start of a move away from the Dhoni era at Chennai Super Kings, even if an official retirement announcement has not yet been made.
WHY WAS MS DHONI NOT PART OF THE 2026 IPL?
Due to a chronic calf condition that apparently got worse over time along with a thumb problem, Dhoni missed the entire 2026 Indian Premier League season.Dhoni never recovered to full fitness during the tournament, despite continuing to be involved with the team and watch games from the bench. CSK's middle order was severely weakened by his absence, and the team struggled all season long.

Dhoni continued to be a major part of CSK's dressing room atmosphere even if he wasn't on the pitch. Earlier, head coach Stephen Fleming had vehemently defended Dhoni's off-field position, saying that his impact was still crucial for a team going through a transformation.
After CSK's last home game at Chepauk earlier this season, the emotional burden around Dhoni's future became most apparent. In what many fans saw as a potential farewell, Dhoni left the squad during the customary lap of thanks after the loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad and waved to the audience.