Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan is optimistic that MS Dhoni will return for the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2027. Dhoni did not play a single match for CSK in IPL 2026 due to ongoing injuries.
He was sidelined from the first half of the season because of calf and hamstring issues, and later, a thumb injury kept him out of the final league matches. This marked the first time Dhoni missed an entire IPL season.
Despite these challenges, Viswanathan hopes for Dhoni’s comeback next season, as he intends to fulfill his promise to play his last IPL match in Chennai. “My understanding is that he will come back next season. We have not spoken to him, but we hope he will return and keep his promise to CSK fans about playing his last game in Chennai,” said Kasi Viswanathan, as reported by Cricbuzz.
Dhoni did not travel with the team for their final league match against Gujarat Titans, as confirmed by CSK’s batting coach Michael Hussey. Meanwhile, Viswanathan indicated that the franchise is not looking to make major changes to their support staff after three consecutive seasons without qualifying for the playoffs.
No decision on Stephen Fleming yet
“We have not made any decisions regarding cricketing matters. We will review things at some point,” Viswanathan stated.
CSK finished eighth in the IPL 2026 points table with six wins out of 14 matches, totaling 12 points. Following a series of seasons without playoff qualification, there has been significant criticism directed at head coach Stephen Fleming, who has been in his role since 2009.
It remains to be seen if CSK will choose to part ways with Fleming, who led the team to five IPL titles and 11 playoff qualifications.