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IPL 2026: MS Dhoni to Feature in Limited Games, CSK Confirms
MS Dhoni is back in the Chennai Super Kings team for IPL 2026. The team boss Kasi Viswanathan has confirmed. But new reports say Dhoni will not play in every match. He is now 44 years old, and his knee hurts. His back is not too strong. The team wants him to stay fit for the full year. A team member said Dhoni is coming to Chennai soon. But the team cannot say if he will be in all 14 games. This is a big change for the fans.
The team has a new plan. They acquired Sanju Samson from Rajasthan in a big swap from Chennai, and gave away Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to get him. Samson is a fast hitter. He is a good keeper too. Samson will wear the gloves when Dhoni sits on the bench. The team also has other keepers now like Urvil Patel and Kartik Sharma. Dhoni does not have to do all the hard work now. He can take a rest to let his body heal. Fans feel sad but they know he is old. Dhoni is turning 45 later this year.
The Impact Player rule helps the team make better use of Dhoni. He can come in to bat at the end of a game. He does not have to stand on the grass for 20 overs. This keeps him fresh for the home games in Chennai. Many experts think he will play every game at the Chepauk ground. The fans in Chennai want to see him in his yellow shirt.
Dhoni is now training in Ranchi. He goes to the gym. He practices hitting big sixes. He is still the heart of the team. Ruturaj Gaikwad is the captain now. But he still asks Dhoni for help with the field. This might be the last IPL for MS Dhoni. The team wants to win a sixth cup for him.