CSK confirm MS Dhoni’s return for IPL 2026; Sanju Samson trade talks resurface
Chennai: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have confirmed that MS Dhoni will return for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, putting an end to months of speculation about his future.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said, “That’s right,” when asked if Dhoni would play next season. He further added, “MS has told us that he will be available for the next season.”
Viswanathan, who has been with the franchise since its inception in 2008, shares a long professional association with Dhoni and is considered one of his closest aides within the team. The 44-year-old Dhoni’s IPL participation has often been a subject of debate in recent years, but this confirmation ensures that the CSK captain will be back for at least one more season.
Last season, CSK endured a tough campaign, finishing at the bottom of the table. Dhoni led the side in the absence of regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, and reports suggest he might be looking to finish his illustrious IPL career on a high.
Dhoni has been the face of the franchise since 2008, except for two seasons when CSK were suspended. If he features in IPL 2026, it will mark his 17th season with the franchise and 19th overall in the tournament. Across 248 matches for CSK, he has scored 4,865 runs and led the team to five IPL titles — in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.
Sanju Samson trade back in discussion
Meanwhile, discussions around a potential trade involving Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson have resurfaced. CSK and RR have reportedly reopened talks over the move, with the Royals’ co-owner Manoj Badale said to be in Mumbai exploring various trade options.
Sources indicate that a senior CSK player could be part of the proposed deal, though no names have been confirmed yet. The player in question has reportedly been sounded out about the possible switch to Rajasthan Royals.
Ahead of the November 15 retention deadline, Dhoni is expected to participate in team discussions with Viswanathan, Gaikwad, and head coach Stephen Fleming on November 10 and 11. The management is likely to finalise decisions related to player retention and the possible Samson trade during these meetings.
If the talks progress as expected, the next few days could see one of the biggest pre-season developments ahead of IPL 2026.
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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
