'We have not discussed anything' - CSK address MS Dhoni's stake request rumours

Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan has flatly rejected claims that MS Dhoni approached the franchise with a demand for an ownership share, branding the speculation as completely baseless. His statement, made on August 30, 2026, came as multiple outlets circulated detailed accounts of alleged negotiations between Dhoni and the CSK leadership.

Viswanathan was direct in his denial, confirming that no formal conversations on the subject had taken place. Viswanathan's public response left little room for ambiguity. By confirming that no discussions had taken place, he effectively distanced the franchise from the detailed negotiation timelines and figures that had circulated in the days before his statement.

"The rumours are completely baseless," Viswanathan was quoted as saying by India Today.

The speculation emerged against the backdrop of a difficult 2026 IPL campaign for the franchise. Dhoni was absent from every match during the season owing to injury, and CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs. Those two developments together prompted widespread questions about the direction of the franchise and Dhoni's place within it. Unverified reports from several cricket outlets claimed Dhoni had initially sought a 25 per cent ownership stake, later revised to 20 per cent, while CSK management was willing to offer a maximum of 5 to 5.5 per cent. The five-time champions have not confirmed any part of those figures.

Some reports had suggested the alleged breakdown in stake talks may have contributed to a strain in the relationship between Dhoni and the CSK management and that his absence from the 2026 season could be connected to those tensions rather than solely to injury. Viswanathan did not address that angle directly, and CSK have not confirmed any link between the two.

Viswanathan also spoke about Dhoni's playing future, making clear that the franchise has received no signal from Dhoni that he is stepping away ahead of IPL 2027. He said, " he said.

Beyond a potential playing role, Viswanathan outlined the broader welcome Dhoni would receive at CSK in any form. The franchise has made clear that the choice rests entirely with Dhoni, and CSK will accommodate whatever role he is comfortable with.

"We have not discussed anything with MS as of now. MS takes his decisions on his own, and we respect that. Dhoni hasn't yet said he won't play. So let's wait. We would always like to have him as a permanent fixture at CSK in whatever capacity – be it as a player, coach or mentor, whatever he would like. Any decision depends on him," he concluded.

The remarks signal that CSK is not applying any pressure on Dhoni and is content to let him set the pace on any future decisions.