Former India opener and commentator Aakash Chopra has rejected claims that . Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra addressed circulating reports that Dhoni asked for a 25 per cent share in the franchise which was later revised downward before talks broke down.
Speaking about this rumour, he said that CSK carries a valuation around $1.8 billion which is similar to recent franchise deals. A 25 per cent stake at that figure would amount to roughly $400-450 million. He described the reported demand as unrealistic for any IPL team.
‘No one gives 400 million to anyone. In fact, you have to invest to acquire a stake. That is just a bizarre number,” he said. Chopra also questioned the shifting percentages that later appeared in stories from 25 per cent down to offers of 3.5 or 5.5 per cent. He went on to say that the entire narrative feels planted. He made it clear that he does not know who started the claims and does not believe them to be true. The comments came after reports of discussions between Dhoni and CSK management over a possible equity role after the 2026 season with no formal agreement reached. The former cricketer has ruled out this as a rumour and nothing more than that.
MS Dhoni’s IPL 2027 Future in Doubt After Missing Entire 2026 Season
MS Dhoni did not play a single match in IPL 2026. This ended his unbroken streak of playing in every season since the league began in 2008. A calf strain early in the campaign followed by a thumb injury kept the 44-year-old on the sidelines throughout the league stage. CSK could not break into the playoffs after six wins from 14 games. Across his IPL career Dhoni has played 278 matches and scored 5,439 runs at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of around 137. He has 24 half-centuries, a highest score of 84 not out. MS Dhoni also remains the most successful captain in IPL history with five titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023) all with CSK.
He also featured for Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016 and 2017. As a wicketkeeper he was excellent. Whether Dhoni will return for IPL 2027 remains undecided with no official comments from the franchise. He will be 45 next season and fitness will be a major factor. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad said the decision would become clear only next year and that the team had missed Dhoni’s presence. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan also confirmed no formal talks have taken place yet and told that Dhoni makes his own choices and that CSK wants him involved in some capacity whether as player, mentor or in the management.