Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan has provided a major update regarding the retirement of legendary cricketer MS Dhoni during the IPL 2026 season. This update comes as Dhoni is dealing with a calf strain that has ruled him out for at least two weeks of the marquee tournament.
The Super Kings recently released an official statement confirming that Dhoni will miss the first two weeks of the tournament. He is expected to be unavailable for the first three or four matches. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side will begin their campaign against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati on Monday.
One of the Reasons Why MS Dhoni Is So Popular – Kasi Viswanathan
Speaking to RevSportz, Kasi Viswanathan said MS Dhoni’s immense contributions to CSK have earned him lifelong support from Chennai fans, which is why he remains hugely popular.
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“As far as I’m concerned, and as far as Dhoni is concerned, I think as a human being and as a cricketer who has done so much for CSK, the Chennai team and the cricket-loving public of Chennai will always back a player who has contributed so much. That is one of the reasons why Dhoni is so popular there.”
🚨 Kasi Viswanathan on #MSDhoni
🗣️ “The call will be taken by him and nobody else” – CSK CEO on MS Dhoni’s retirement.
He speaks on @msdhoni‘s contribution in building @ChennaiIPL‘s vast loyal fanbase, his role ahead with the franchise, injury update, and more.@AgeasFederal… pic.twitter.com/u7cijREbpg
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) March 30, 2026
It Is My Wish and the Franchise’s Wish That MS Dhoni – Kasi Viswanathan
Kasi Viswanathan said that MS Dhoni is popular worldwide but enjoys unmatched support in Chennai and Tamil Nadu. He added that the franchise wants Dhoni to stay connected with CSK in the future, while any decision about his role will be taken by N. Srinivasan when Dhoni retires.
“He is also very popular outside Chennai and Tamil Nadu, but Chennai and Tamil Nadu probably stand out in that regard. When I said that he will always be a part of us, it is my wish and the franchise’s wish that Dhoni remains connected to Chennai Super Kings in some way throughout his life.”
“We have not spoken to him about this yet. Mr. Srinivasan is the only person who can speak to him on that, and I think he will do it in the coming year whenever Dhoni decides to hang up his boots.”
MS Dhoni’s Focus and Commitment to Cricket Have Never Changed – Kasi Viswanathan
Kasi Viswanathan praised MS Dhoni’s unwavering commitment and discipline, saying that his work ethic has remained unchanged since 2007. He also said their relationship is built on mutual respect, as he avoids disturbing Dhoni and only interacts with him when necessary.
“His focus and commitment to cricket have never changed, from the day I saw him in 2007 until now. Even today, before the season starts, he arrives in Chennai a month early and practices with the same intensity as he did in his prime. That has always been his approach. His commitment and loyalty can never be questioned.”
“One thing I can say is that I have never been very close to Dhoni because I don’t go into his room or speak to him unless it is necessary. We share mutual respect, and that is how we operate. Whenever needed, we have the freedom to speak to him, and that’s it. I don’t really disturb him at any other time.”
Dhoni is the most capped player in IPL history with 278 appearances. In 2025, he scored 196 runs across 13 innings at a strike rate of 135.17. He led the side after regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered a season-ending elbow injury. However, CSK finished at the bottom of the table.
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