Former Indian captain MS Dhoni isn't finished with the IPL just yet, and he's a certain player in the next season for Chennai Super Kings. Confirmation on this comes directly from the franchise, where CEO Kasi Viswanathan has ensured fans of his participation. Additionally, reports have surfaced that Sanju Samson's trade discussion is very much on the table for CSK, which suggests possible off-season developments. Viswanathan, much like Dhoni, has been associated with the Chennai-based franchise since it came into being in 2008. He had recently confirmed the participation of the legendary wicketkeeper-batter in the forthcoming season to a fan. The former executive has been an influential figure in CSK’s operations for many years now and was close to the erstwhile team owner N. Srinivasan, while playing an important role in maintaining stability and success for the five-time champions. Dhoni has represented CSK in every season except two, when the Super Kings were suspended and he played for Rising Pune Supergiant. If he does turn up next season it will be his 17th season for the franchise and his 19th overall in the IPL, having been part of it since the league launch in 2008. He has featured in 248 matches for CSK, scoring 4,865 runs and leading the side to five titles - in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. Also Read | WPL 2026 Mega Auction: Full List of Retained Players, Rules, and Team Purses CSK Reignite Trade Talks for Sanju Samson Dhoni has been part of the planning for next season, and with the retention deadline of November 15 fast approaching, consultations with other key franchise personnel are expected to be held. These include Viswanathan, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, and coach Stephen Fleming. A meeting among them is likely on November 10 and 11, a day when a final decision would be made. By then, the franchise also will know the Samson trade possibility. This website can reveal that Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals have resumed contact over a possible trade involving Samson, and it won't be a surprise if a top CSK player is sent the other way. RR owner Manoj Badale, who recently arrived in Mumbai from London, is learnt to be considering all options and has opened channels of communication with several franchise managements, including Lucknow Super Giants, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals - besides, of course, Super Kings. A top CSK player is learnt to be on the table, and it is learnt that a word has been sent to the player to check whether he is comfortable moving to Rajasthan Royals. The situation is expected to be clearer in the next few days.