MS Dhoni unlikely to play all matches of IPL 2026: Report

The perennial question surrounding MS Dhoni’s future has resurfaced once again as the Indian Premier League caravan prepares for the 2026 season — will the iconic former skipper feature in all matches for Chennai Super Kings this year?

Dhoni, who will turn 45 later this year, will be available for CSK for the upcoming IPL season, a senior franchise source has confirmed.

However, with CSK’s marquee acquisition Sanju Samson now in the ranks, it appears unlikely that the legendary former India captain will



play every league game.

“We can confirm that he is coming to Chennai and has confirmed his availability for the season,” a senior CSK source told PTI on condition of anonymity.

“Whether he will play all the games or not is something we cannot say at the moment,” the source added.

In any case, with the Impact Player rule in place, Dhoni the batter has not been required extensively over the past two editions. His role has largely been situational, often limited to late-order cameos.