MS Dhoni Asked for 25% Stake in CSK? Franchise CEO Responds to Ownership Rumours

MS Dhoni-CSK News: Speculation surrounding MS Dhoni’s relationship with Chennai Super Kings has gained considerable attention after reports suggested that the former India captain wanted an ownership stake in the IPL franchise. Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan has now responded to the claims and dismissed the reports about Dhoni seeking equity in the team.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been closely associated with Chennai Super Kings since the beginning of the Indian Premier League. His long connection with the franchise means that almost any development involving the veteran cricketer quickly attracts attention from fans.

Recently, however, the conversation moved beyond Dhoni's role as a player and former captain. Reports began circulating that he had sought a significant ownership stake in CSK.

According to the claims, Dhoni initially wanted a 25% stake in Chennai Super Kings. The figure was reportedly later reduced to 20%, while CSK was said to have offered him a much smaller 5.5% share. The reports further suggested that an agreement could not be reached between the two sides.

The franchise has now rejected those claims.

CSK CEO Rejects Reports About Dhoni Seeking Ownership Stake

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan addressed the speculation while speaking to PTI and described the reports surrounding Dhoni's alleged ownership demand as completely baseless.

He also reportedly characterised the ownership claims as a "planted story", making the franchise's position on the speculation clear.

The clarification is significant because the reports had triggered wider speculation about whether there were differences between Dhoni and the Chennai Super Kings management.

Despite the attention generated by the story, there had been no confirmed announcement from either Dhoni or CSK suggesting that negotiations over an ownership stake were actually taking place.

Viswanathan's response has now directly challenged those reports.

What Was Claimed About Dhoni's CSK Stake?

The speculation originated from an earlier CricBlogger report, according to which Dhoni had initially sought a 25% ownership interest in Chennai Super Kings.

The report claimed that the proposed stake was subsequently brought down to 20%. CSK, meanwhile, was reportedly willing to offer only a 5.5% stake.

It was this alleged difference between the two sides that fuelled speculation about their relationship.

However, with CSK's CEO rejecting the claims, there is currently no confirmed basis to conclude that Dhoni made such an ownership demand or that formal negotiations over the reported percentages took place.

Will MS Dhoni Play for CSK in IPL 2027?

Viswanathan also addressed another question that continues to interest Chennai Super Kings supporters: Dhoni's playing future.

According to the CSK CEO, Dhoni has not yet informed the franchise that he will not play in IPL 2027.

Viswanathan indicated that the franchise will have to wait before drawing conclusions about the veteran cricketer's plans for the next season.

That leaves the door open for Dhoni's possible return as a player, although no final confirmation about his participation has been announced.

Dhoni Could Still Have an Important Role in CSK's Plans

Irrespective of his playing future, Dhoni could remain an influential figure in Chennai Super Kings' preparations for IPL 2027.

According to sources cited in the report, his views could be important as the franchise works on major decisions ahead of the new season. These may include the selection of a new head coach as well as decisions concerning the composition of the playing squad.

CSK is searching for a new head coach following Stephen Fleming's departure. Fleming left the franchise to take responsibility for England's Test team.

Given Dhoni's long association with Chennai Super Kings and his understanding of the franchise's cricketing structure, his inputs could remain valuable during this transition.

Dhoni and CSK Share a Long IPL Association

MS Dhoni's connection with Chennai Super Kings stretches back to the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Over the years, he became the face of the franchise and played a central role in turning CSK into one of the competition's most successful teams.

Under Dhoni's captaincy, Chennai Super Kings won five IPL titles.

Ahead of IPL 2025, CSK retained Dhoni for ₹4 crore. However, injury prevented him from playing a match for the franchise during IPL 2026.

His absence naturally raised further questions about how long he intends to continue playing professional cricket.

For now, however, CSK has not announced the end of Dhoni's playing career with the franchise.

CSK's Clarification Puts Focus Back on Dhoni's IPL Future

The ownership speculation had created a fresh round of discussion around Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings, particularly because of claims involving stakes as high as 25%.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan's response has now rejected those reports and indicated that Dhoni has not told the franchise that he will sit out IPL 2027.

Until Dhoni himself makes a decision about his future, speculation over his next move is likely to continue. What remains clear is that his association with Chennai Super Kings continues to be significant, and any decision involving the legendary former India captain is likely to remain one of the biggest talking points ahead of IPL 2027.