Thala’s keeping the yellow faithful on their toes no retirement bell just yet, because MS Dhoni is back for another IPL dance. Chennai Super Kings CEO K. S. Viswanathan put an end to months of speculation on 23 February 2026, confirming that the 44-year-old icon will indeed turn out for CSK in the TATA IPL 2026 season, running from 26 March to 31 May.
Dhoni’s IPL legacy is already the stuff of legend, five titles as captain (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023), tying him with Rohit Sharma as the most successful skipper in tournament history. Across 235 matches led, he notched 136 wins at a win rate of 57.87 per cent numbers built on ice-cool captaincy, razor-sharp field settings, and an uncanny knack for grooming young talent into match-winners.
The upcoming edition features 10 teams battling across 84 T20 matches, and Dhoni’s presence is expected to lend CSK that familiar blend of experience, calm under pressure, and mentorship for the next wave of players. Even if he doesn’t captain every game, his aura alone shifts dressing-room dynamics.
Whether he finishes with six titles or simply enjoys one more lap in the spotlight, Dhoni’s decision keeps the IPL’s biggest heartbeat thumping strong.
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