Edgbaston had a special guest for the first ODI between England and India on Tuesday. MS Dhoni watched the proceedings, as Shubman Gill played a classy innings to secure a six-wicket win for his side. If one bumps on social media, there are posts calling for making Dhoni the mentor of the Indian team. It’s a bit outlandish and not going to happen. But Dhoni becoming the Chennai Super Kings mentor appears a possibility, according to sources.
Grapevine has it that Stephen Fleming’s departure as CSK head coach after an 18-year stint had Dhoni’s seal of approval. There’s no confirmation in this regard as yet. According to an insider, however, the former captain is going to play a significant role in picking Fleming’s successor. The five-time IPL champions, who haven’t reached the playoffs since their title triumph in 2023, will take time to land their preferred candidate, and Dhoni will have a say in that.
The 45-year-old is still with the franchise as a player. CSK retained him for Rs 4 crore ahead of the 2025 IPL mega-auction, after the BCCI went back to its uncapped player rule — those who are retired from international cricket for at least five years were put in the uncapped player category.
At the 2026 IPL, Dhoni didn’t play a single game due to a calf muscle injury, although the franchise still expects him to complete the current cycle, until 2027, as a player. Then again, the ex-skipper has a mind of his own and it would be his call.
Meanwhile, the idea to make him the team mentor could be a possibility, it is learnt. It might happen next season itself or at the start of the new cycle in 2028. According to sources though, even without an official designation, Dhoni is set to be given control of the cricket side of the affairs. In crisis, CSK have turned to the man who has presided over their five IPL trophies.
For latest sports updates: Follow RevSportz
The post Dhoni set to have bigger role at CSK appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.
