Did Dhoni want 25% CSK stake? Truth behind ₹3,820 Cr claim

MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have become almost synonymous in the IPL. The former India captain did not play a single match in IPL 2026, but he remained one of the most talked-about CSK figures. At 45, Dhoni's playing role has reduced in recent years, but he continues to be an important and inspirational figure for the franchise.

Before the IPL 2027 retention dates are announced, claims from several X users and media channels suggested that Dhoni had asked for a 25% stake in CSK. According to these reports, he later reduced his demand to 20%, while the franchise allegedly offered him a 5.5% stake. The reported 25% stake was said to be worth around ₹3,820 crore.

However, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has questioned the credibility of these claims. He called the reported figures unrealistic and suggested that the story could have been planted. There has been no official confirmation from Dhoni or CSK about any such stake negotiations, so the reported ₹3,820 crore claim remains unverified.

MS Dhoni's reported 25% stake demand in Chennai Super Kings

According to reports, MS Dhoni allegedly wanted a 25% stake in the Chennai Super Kings franchise during the last season of the Indian Premier League. The claim has also led to speculation about a possible disagreement between Dhoni and the CSK management.

A CricBlogger report claimed that Dhoni initially demanded a 25% stake, while the franchise owners reportedly offered him 3%. During the talks, Dhoni was said to have reduced his demand to 20% and then 18%. On the other hand, CSK allegedly increased its offer from 3% to 4% and later 5.5%.

However, the report stated that neither side was ready to compromise, leaving the talks inconclusive. It also claimed that all the discussions were held orally, with no written proposal or formal deal between Dhoni and the franchise.

From 25% to 5.5%: How CSK's counter-offer talks reportedly unfolded

According to the reports, MS Dhoni, 45, wanted to buy a stake in Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He reportedly started by asking for a 25% stake, while CSK initially offered him 3%. Dhoni then reduced his demand to 20%, which was followed by a 4% offer from CSK. He later lowered his demand to 18%, but CSK's final reported offer stood at 5.5%. A CricBlogger source claimed that Dhoni wanted to buy the stake and was not asking for it for free.

The reported negotiations also raised questions about Dhoni's relationship with the CSK management. According to the report, no official written proposal or agreement was exchanged, and most of the discussions took place verbally. With Dhoni reportedly seeking 18% and CSK offering 5.5%, the two sides could not reach an agreement.

The reported stake talks could mean more than just a disagreement over percentages. Dhoni has shared a long and successful relationship with CSK as a player and captain, and owning a part of the franchise would have made that connection even stronger. However, if CSK moves forward without Dhoni, it could mark an important transition for the franchise and bring an end to one of the most successful relationships in IPL history.

Aakash Chopra calls the report 'Unrealistic' — What it means for Dhoni's CSK future

Aakash Chopra has questioned the report about MS Dhoni's alleged 25% stake in CSK and called it unrealistic. He explained that if CSK is valued at around $1.8 billion, a 25% stake would be worth about ₹3,800 crore. Chopra said such a stake would need a huge investment and would not simply be given to Dhoni. He also pointed out that even a smaller stake in a franchise like CSK would cost a lot of money.

The former Indian batter also raised questions about the reported negotiations. Reports have mentioned different figures, including 3.5% and 5.5% stakes, but neither CSK nor Dhoni has confirmed them. Chopra said he felt the story could be planted, although he also admitted that he could not call it fake without verified information. His comments have therefore created more doubt about the reported stake talks.

According to the report, the alleged dispute may have affected Dhoni's relationship with CSK and raised questions about his future with the team. CSK retained Dhoni for ₹4 crore before the IPL 2025 mega auction, while he did not play in IPL 2026 due to an injury, according to the report. However, there has been no official response from CSK or Dhoni about the reported stake discussions, and no stake sale has been formally confirmed.