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Days after the emotional lap of honor in Chepauk, MS Dhoni falls into controversy after reports predict rifts with the Chennai Super Kings' management. MS Dhoni has not played a single match in the ongoing IPL for CSK and was not even an impact sub for the side. And questions around his prolonged absence from the playing XI this IPL season have intensified after fresh reports claimed the former captain could part ways with the franchise following the 2026 edition. 

According to a report by CricBlogger, Dhoni may not continue with CSK beyond IPL 2026. The report also suggested that differences between Dhoni and sections of the management had widened during the current season. A souce close to the proceeding informed CricBlogger,

“The relationship between Dhoni and CSK has deteriorated to such an extent that Thala will not be seen in yellow after the 2026 IPL."

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The franchise has maintained that Dhoni’s absence was linked to a calf muscle injury sustained early in the tournament. However, the report stated that Dhoni regained fitness during the competition but stayed away from the playing combination to avoid disturbing the balance of a side still competing for qualification.

At the same time, the report alleged that there were deeper concerns behind the scenes, including disagreements regarding long-term squad planning and senior player management within the franchise structure.

It further claimed that Dhoni had not been actively consulted by the management over the last two years on key cricketing decisions. Among the decisions reportedly causing dissatisfaction were matters involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson, with the report stating that those discussions took place without Dhoni’s involvement.

The franchise is also believed to be prioritising a younger core as part of its long-term transition planning.

Another claim in the report suggested that Dhoni felt sidelined during the ongoing season despite remaining attached to the squad throughout the campaign.

“They ignored Dhoni completely this year, which irked him a lot,” the source said, adding that Dhoni stayed with the squad throughout the season purely out of respect for the team.

For the first time in his IPL career, Dhoni missed nearly an entire season. The report also mentioned that he had differences with a senior official within the franchise setup.

Although Dhoni accompanied the team during the tournament, he reportedly remained at the hotel on match days, allowing younger members of the squad to stay involved with the playing group and matchday activities.