CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told Cricket based website Cricbuzz, “MS has told us that he will be available for the next season,” putting an end to months of speculation about the 44-year-old’s participation.
Viswanathan, who has been associated with CSK since its inception in 2008 alongside Dhoni, recently reassured fans about the former India captain’s availability.
Like Dhoni, he has been a pivotal figure behind the scenes for the five-time IPL champions and remains a close confidant of franchise owner N. Srinivasan.
Last season, CSK struggled and finished at the bottom of the table, with Dhoni stepping in to lead the side in the absence of regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
The veteran may now be aiming for a strong finish before eventually bowing out of the league.
Dhoni has played almost all of his IPL seasons with CSK, except for two years when the franchise was suspended.
If he turns up next season, it will mark his 17th campaign with CSK and 19th overall in the IPL. In 248 matches for the franchise, he has scored 4,865 runs and captained the side to five titles, in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.
