Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: As the IPL 2026 season approaches, the big question around MS Dhoni’s future has come up once again: will the Chennai Super Kings legend play every match this season? Dhoni, who will turn 45 later this year, is set to be available for CSK, but it looks unlikely that he will feature in all games.
A top CSK source confirmed his availability. “We can confirm this much that he is coming to Chennai and had confirmed his availability for the season,” the source told PTI. However, the same source added, “Whether he will play all games or not is something we can’t say at the moment.”With the arrival of Sanju Samson, CSK now have multiple wicketkeeping options, which could reduce Dhoni’s workload. Samson is expected to keep wickets in matches where Dhoni sits out, while other keepers like Urvil Patel and young recruit Kartik Sharma are also in the squad.In recent seasons, Dhoni’s role with the bat has been limited due to the Impact Player rule, and he has mostly played as a finisher in specific situations. Managing his fitness will also be important, as he has dealt with knee and back issues in recent years, and the physical demands of wicketkeeping can be tough with packed schedules.However, Dhoni is likely to play most of CSK’s home matches at Chepauk, where his presence still excites fans like no other. His bond with the Chennai crowd remains strong, and every time he walks onto the field, it sends the stadium into a frenzy.
