Will MS Dhoni retire before IPL 2026? CSK CEO says ‘will get back to you’

Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan has confirmed once again that MS Dhoni wlll not retire ahead of IPL 2026. There has been a lot of speculation on the future of the former Indian captain in the IPL, especially after a sub-par performance in IPL 2025. While Dhoni categorically stated earlier this year that he would take months to decide on his future, the CSK CEO has confirmed that Thala is indeed here to stay and will very much be a part of the next season.

MS Dhoni to play IPL 2026: CSK CEO

In a video posted on Provoke Lifestyle’s YouTube channel, a child is seen asking the CSK CEO as to if Dhoni will retire soon. Viswanathanresponds saying that Thala will not retire and went on to say that he would have to ask the ex-CSK skipper as to when exactly he plans to hang up his boots.

“We are planning to win but we don’t know if we can. We will try our best. No, Dhoni is not going to retire. I will ask him and get back to you (on when will Dhoni retire),” the CSK CEO said.

“I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play. When you play cricket like a professional sport, it becomes difficult to enjoy it just like a game. That’s what I want to do. It’s not easy. The emotions keep coming, the commitments are there. I want to enjoy the game for the next few years,” said Dhoni earlier this year.

Dhoni claimed that he wants to enjoy the last few years left as he ends the twilight of his career. On the other hand, he explains that he understands the emotions while claiming that cricket as a professional sport is extremely difficult. But as things stand, he is in no way ready to quit.

Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, continues to play for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). However, his returns have decreased with each passing year. He’s been forced to push himself down the order. For many, seeing Dhoni play behind Ravichandran Ashwin at number eight in the IPL 2025 season was a bitter pill to swallow.