Archive · 21 Sep 2026
CSK Keeps MS Dhoni As Player After Zaheer Khan Appointment
MS Dhoni will continue with Chennai Super Kings as a player.
He will not officially become the team’s coach or mentor for now.
Zaheer Khan has become CSK’s new head coach.
Stephen Fleming previously held that position.
Dhoni did not play in the 2026 IPL season because of injuries.
He also stayed away from CSK’s home stadium during the season.
Dhoni may still be influential around the team.
Zaheer will decide how best to use him in matches.
Chennai Super Kings confirmed that MS Dhoni will remain available as a player.
Zaheer Khan has replaced Stephen Fleming as CSK’s head coach.
CSK managing director Kasi Viswanathan said Dhoni will not take a coaching or mentorship role.
Dhoni missed the entire IPL 2026 season because of injury and fitness issues.
The article says Zaheer Khan will need to balance Dhoni’s influence with the team’s on-field needs.
- Who
- MS Dhoni, Zaheer Khan, Stephen Fleming, and Chennai Super Kings are involved.
- What
- CSK confirmed that Dhoni will remain a player rather than become a coach or official mentor.
- When
- The confirmation was reported on September 21, 2026.
- Where
- The decision concerns Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.
- Why
- Dhoni’s future was being discussed after Zaheer Khan replaced Stephen Fleming as head coach and Dhoni missed the 2026 season because of injuries.
- Team
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Player
- MS Dhoni
- New head coach
- Zaheer Khan
- Previous head coach
- Stephen Fleming
- Dhoni’s 2026 season
- He missed the entire IPL 2026 season.
- Reported injury issues
- A pre-season calf strain followed by a thumb injury later in the campaign.
- Confirmation source
- CSK managing director Kasi Viswanathan