Reports: MS Dhoni-CSK relationship sours as stake talks fall apart

MS Dhoni expressed interest in acquiring an ownership stake in Chennai Super Kings (CSK) during the most recent Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The former India captain, who missed the entire IPL 2026 campaign due to injury, initiated discussions with the CSK management about becoming a stakeholder in the franchise.

According to Cricblogger, Dhoni’s initial proposal was to purchase a 25% stake in the organisation. The negotiations were conducted entirely through oral discussions, with no formal written proposal or documented agreement being prepared at any stage of the talks.

“Dhoni wanted to buy a stake. He wasn’t asking for it for free, but the CSK management thought otherwise,” the report quoted a source as saying.

Negotiations and the gap between demand and offer

As discussions progressed, Dhoni adjusted his position and lowered his demand to an 20% stake in the franchise. However, CSK’s ownership remained unwilling to dilute their shareholding to that extent, and the franchise’s revised their offer to 4%. In the end, Dhoni’s final offer was of 18% but the CSK management wasn’t willing to give up more than 5.5% of their share.

The significant gap between Dhoni’s reduced demand of 18% and CSK’s maximum offer of 5.5% proved insurmountable. The two parties could not find common ground, and the stake negotiations ultimately ended without reaching an agreement.

The failed talks reportedly added further strain to the relationship between Dhoni and CSK management. The breakdown in negotiations came at a time when Dhoni was sidelined from playing due to injury, making the period particularly challenging for the veteran cricketer’s involvement with the franchise. The relationship between MS Dhoni and CSK had reportedly soured ahead of the IPL 2027 season.

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Dhoni turned 45 years old in July and it has been more than six years since he retired from international cricket. However, he continues to be one of the most revered cricketers, not just in India but around the world. It will be interesting to see what lies in Dhoni’s future as a player.

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