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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Karnataka issues nutrition advisory for govt events; recommends millets, healthier options
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Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government on Monday issued a nutrition advisory recommending healthier food and beverage options at meetings, functions, and other official gatherings held in the state.
The advisory has been issued by the Department of Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Services to promote healthy dietary and nutritional habits among officials and staff, noting that food, refreshments and beverages served in government offices and official programmes are "often not aligned with nutrition standards."
The advisory recommends serving snacks such as millet-based, low-fat and low-sugar foods, fresh fruits, vegetable salads, sprouts, roasted nuts and seeds during in-house office meetings and breaks.
Beverages such as green tea, low-fat buttermilk, and locally filtered or boiled water served in glass bottles or steel flasks have also been suggested.
According to the advisory, for larger government events, conferences and exhibitions, departments have been advised to include at least one millet-based item during snacks and a minimum of two millet dishes in meals, along with local cuisine and at least one regional recipe.
It also recommends the use of brown rice instead of white rice, freshly prepared vegetable salads, and fresh fruits or low-sugar fruit juices.
If non-vegetarian food is served, it should consist of well-cooked lean or white meat, the advisory stated.
In eateries operating within government office campuses, the department has recommended millet-based foods, fresh vegetable salads, boiled pulses such as horse gram or chickpeas, and low-fat beverages.
It suggests serving food using reusable metal plates and glasses.
The advisory also recommends avoiding microwave-heated food, industrially processed food, fried snacks, high-fat or heavily spiced dishes, carbonated drinks, high-sugar fruit juices, and alcoholic beverages.
It further discourages serving milk-based tea or coffee and plastic-bottled water during official events.
“Overall, hygiene and cleanliness should be maintained while serving food and water. Local cottage industries, self-help groups, prison kitchens, nutri-gardens and others should be preferred for placing food and beverage orders,” the advisory added.
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