Dhoni, who has been synonymous with CSK since the league\u2019s inception in 2008, was back as their captain midway through the 2025 IPL, after newly-appointed captain, opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, was ruled out of the competition due to an elbow injury.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
It was a season to forget for CSK as they finished at the bottom of the points table with just four wins from 14 matches. \u201cHe is likely to play, that is the (current) status. We have a feeling that he will play in this upcoming IPL,\u201d Viswanathan told IANS on Friday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Barring the franchise\u2019s suspension for the 2016 and 2017 seasons, Dhoni has been a constant person in the CSK set-up. A return for IPL 2026 will mark his 17th season with CSK and 19th overall in the competition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
So far, Dhoni has played 248 matches for CSK, amassing 4,865 runs and captaining CSK to five IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. Overall, Dhoni has made 5439 runs in 278 matches \u2013 with 158 catches and 47 stumpings against his name.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Barring the franchise\u2019s suspension for the 2016 and 2017 seasons, Dhoni has been a constant person in the CSK set-up. A return for IPL 2026 will mark his 17th season with CSK and 19th overall in the competition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
When specifically asked by IANS if there\u2019s any likelihood of CSK being involved in trading Samson from RR, Viswanathan\u2019s response came as, \u201cNo, not likely, not likely.\u201d This news agency understands that more clarity on any trade development could arrive in the next few days.<\/p>\r\n\r\n