The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) management reportedly kept MS Dhoni out of the loop regarding a major player trade. Dhoni was reportedly furious when the franchise traded Ravindra Jadeja to the Rajasthan Royals to acquire wicketkeeper batter Sanju Samson ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
The Rajasthan Royals traded Jadeja and England’s Sam Curran in exchange for Samson before the mini auction last year. Jadeja and Samson were in a similar salary bracket of ₹18 crore. However, the left-arm spinner agreed to a pay cut, joining the inaugural IPL champions for a new price tag of ₹14 crore.
MS Dhoni Unhappy With Ravindra Jadeja Trade Ahead of IPL 2026
According to a report from cricblogger.com, MS Dhoni supported the idea of bringing Sanju Samson to the Chennai Super Kings as a future successor. However, he did not agree to trade Ravindra Jadeja to complete the deal.
Your daily dose of cricket!
The report claimed that Dhoni was very upset with the decision. It said he was unsure about continuing with CSK after the trade. Sources also stated that the franchise sidelined some people involved in the deal to calm Dhoni.
“MS Dhoni has even told the franchise that this year could be his last with Chennai Super Kings after the swap,” the report stated.
However, official Chennai Super Kings representatives were not available for comment. The report also said that the CSK management denied the rumors about Dhoni during the recent player swap talks with the Rajasthan Royals.
MS Dhoni Enjoyed a Legendary IPL Career With CSK
MS Dhoni has played in the Indian Premier League since the first season in 2008. He has scored 5,439 runs in 242 innings at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45. Dhoni has hit 24 half-centuries, with a highest score of an unbeaten 87.
For the Chennai Super Kings, he has played 248 matches. He scored 4,865 runs in 215 innings at an average of 39.23 and a strike rate of 139.11, including 22 half-centuries.
The right-handed batter also helped the Chennai-based franchise win five IPL titles. CSK won the trophies in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023, making them one of the most successful teams in IPL history.
Chennai Super Kings Had a Difficult IPL Season Last Year
The Chennai Super Kings had a disappointing campaign last year. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out midway through the tournament, which forced MS Dhoni to lead the team again.
However, the franchise finished at the bottom of the 10-team points table with only four wins. Dhoni mostly batted at number eight and scored 196 runs in 14 matches at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17.
The Super Kings will start their new campaign against the Rajasthan Royals on March 30. Fans are excited to see Dhoni face Ravindra Jadeja in the opening match. CSK will then play the Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Capitals in the first phase of the season
Also read: Not Sachin Tendulkar! Hardik Pandya picks domestic giant as his childhood cricket idol
