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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1,850 missing mobile phones recovered as Delhi Police focusses on victim-centric policing
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Police has recovered 1,850 stolen and lost mobile phones worth around Rs 4 crore in past 40 days under "Mission Reconnect", an initiative aimed at returning phones to their rightful owners in outernorth Delhi, an official said on Saturday.
The recovered phones were traced from different parts of the country, including remote areas, through technical surveillance and sustained field operations, police said, adding that the devices were handed over to their owners during a programme at the Sports Ground, New Police Lines, Kingsway Camp.
The initiative focused on a victim-centric approach and aimed at strengthening public trust through proactive policing and coordinated efforts across states, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outernorth) Hareshwar Swami said.
As part of the programme, teams performed 'nukkad nataks' and screened awareness videos on cybercrime, drug abuse prevention, and senior citizen safety, sensitising the public about digital frauds and safety measures, officials said.
The initiative combines technology, investigation and community participation to ensure recovery of lost property and reconnect citizens with their valuables, they added.
