Will MS Dhoni play IPL 2027? CSK CEO says "every decision depends on him"

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 was the first in the history of the league for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) when their former captain, MS Dhoni, didn’t feature in a single game of the competition. The veteran was expected to feature in at least one encounter during the competition, but his knee and calf injuries didn’t allow him to take the field.

The Super Kings finished the IPL 2026 campaign at the eighth edition of the points table with six victories in 14 clashes at a net run rate of -0.345. They had a chance to make it into the Playoffs of the event, but lost their last three successive games of the tournament.  

Dhoni missed the entire IPL 2026 — Will his calf & leg injury allow a 2027 comeback at 45?

Under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK was without their wicket-keeper lower-order batter, MS Dhoni, at the start of the season. Their head coach, Stephen Fleming, during their third game against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), stated that the uncapped player would return to the eleven after a few games. 

However, after a while, the news came from the camp of the five-time champions that MS Dhoni had picked up a new calf injury during the practice session, which ruled him out of the event for the first six weeks.

Meanwhile, towards the end of the side’s journey, he injured his finger and couldn’t take part in the competition before returning home. Now the question stands whether he would make a comeback at the age of 45 during IPL 2027.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan: "We have left it to MS" — What his respectful silence really signals

The CSK CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, has refused to confirm or deny the availability of Dhoni, heading into the 2027 season. However, just like the past, he has confirmed the former Indian captain’s stay with the franchise in any shape or form.

“We have not discussed anything with MS as of now because, as you know, MS makes his decisions on his own, and we respect that. We would always like to have him as a permanent fixture at CSK in whatever capacity — be it as a player, coach, or mentor. Whatever it is, it depends on what he decides. Every decision depends on him.” Viswanathan said to RevSportz.

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“I would always love to thank them for the affection and faith they have shown in CSK. I am sure that in the years to come as well, we will try to uphold that faith and keep it going.” He added.

Will Ruturaj Gaikwad lead CSK without Dhoni in IPL 2027? What the rebuild really looks like?

Gaikwad, after their last clash of the IPL 2026 against the Gujarat Titans, was also asked the same question, to which he displayed uncertainty and left the entire decision on Dhoni.

“Will we see MS Dhoni next season? Obviously, you will get to know it next year (2027) itself. Even I’ll get to know it next year itself. Obviously, it’s a hard, hard miss for us, definitely. He’s someone who can have a fear of the opposition, especially coming in those late overs.” Gaikwad spoke in the IPL 2026 post-match presentation.

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“Can really change the game, can really change the momentum just by staying at the crease. So, he’s someone; definitely, we missed a lot this season. But, I mean, we never know about next season, but obviously, really happy with the guys we had and, really happy with the experience they got this year.” The CSK captain informed.