Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings have confirmed that former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be available in the 2026 edition of the competition expected to begin in March.

"MS has told us that he will be available for the next season," CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Dhoni is closely involved in the franchise's plans for the upcoming season, he added.

The 44-year-old has been involved in the team's retention and trade discussions, said Viswanathan.

Dhoni had led CSK last year in the absence of regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad but the five-time IPL winner put up a poor show, finishing at the bottom of the points table.

In the past, Dhoni headed the CSK to five IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023.

Dhoni was retained by CSK as an "uncapped player" before the 2025 mega auction when an IPL rule change allowed Indian players who have not played international cricket for five years to go into the auction pool as uncapped.