MS Dhoni and CSK in a rift with Stakes? Chennai Super Kings CEO breaks Silence with Blunt Reply

Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan has strongly dismissed reports claiming that MS Dhoni sought a significant ownership stake in the IPL franchise, describing the speculation surrounding the former captain as "completely baseless".

The comments come amid reports from Cricblogger suggesting that Dhoni had held discussions with the CSK management over acquiring a stake in the franchise.

It claimed that the former India captain initially sought as much as 25 per cent ownership, with the figure subsequently being revised during discussions.

There were also claims that CSK were willing to offer a considerably smaller stake. However, neither Dhoni nor the franchise had publicly confirmed details of any such negotiations.

CSK CEO quashes Stake Rumours

Viswanathan has now rejected the reports outright. Speaking to PTI, the CSK CEO said: "The rumours are completely baseless."

The statement comes at a time when speculation around Dhoni's future with the five-time IPL champions has intensified following his absence from the entire 2026 season.

Dhoni, who has been synonymous with CSK since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, was retained by the franchise ahead of the 2025 mega auction. However, injury prevented him from making a single appearance during IPL 2026.

The reported ownership discussions had subsequently fuelled speculation about a possible disagreement between Dhoni and the franchise, particularly with CSK also undergoing significant changes following head coach Stephen Fleming's departure.

Dhoni has been a mainstay at Chennai Super Kings since the inception of IPL in 2008. The India stalwart has led the franchise to five IPL titles and continues to be a player for them, albeit the captaincy baton was passed to Ruturaj Gaikwad. For the IPL 2027 season, Dhoni's future remains an enigma, with reports suggesting he may hang his boots.