Overview
- CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed MS Dhoni’s participation in 2026, saying, “MS has told us that he will be available for the next season.”
- Reports indicate CSK and Rajasthan Royals have re-established contact over a Sanju Samson trade, with RR owner Manoj Badale engaging multiple franchises.
- RR are said to want a marquee CSK player in return—names reported include Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad or Shivam Dube—while CSK have resisted and publicly called a deal “not likely.”
- Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad and coach Stephen Fleming are scheduled to meet Nov. 10–11 to finalise retentions, with clarity on any Samson move expected before the Nov. 15 deadline.
- Following a last-place 2025 finish, CSK are evaluating wicketkeeper-batter options such as Ishan Kishan or KL Rahul and discussing emerging signings, according to media reports.