MS Dhoni’s Stake Request in CSK ‘Baseless’, Franchise Clarifies Minority Ownership: Report

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has today, September 12, 2026, moved to quell widespread speculation regarding an alleged bid by cricketing icon MS Dhoni to acquire a substantial ownership stake in the highly successful Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise. Dispelling what it termed "baseless" rumours, the CSK management confirmed that no such discussions or demands for a controlling stake ever took place with the legendary captain. MS Dhoni-CSK Stake Negotiations: Report Details Dispute Over Equity Valuation.

Cricbuzz reports had suggested an explosive narrative: that Dhoni, 45, initially sought a 25% share in CSK, later reducing his supposed demand to 20%, with the franchise reportedly countering with an offer of 5.5%. However, a senior CSK official, speaking to Cricbuzz, categorically denied these claims. "MS has never asked us about it. We never discussed the matter. We also don't have any information about him having discussed this with Mr N Srinivasan either," the official stated unequivocally. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan further reinforced this stance, labeling the rumours as "completely baseless."

MS Dhoni's Existing Minority Stake Confirmed

While vehemently denying any attempts by Dhoni to secure a major stake, CSK did clarify that the former India captain is, in fact, an existing minority shareholder. Dhoni reportedly holds more than one lakh unlisted equity shares in the franchise, acquired privately through off-market transactions at some point in the past.

This shareholding, however, constitutes a minuscule portion of the company's total equity, estimated to be approximately 0.01% to 0.02%. Based on current IPL franchise valuations, Dhoni's stake is valued modestly between INR 2.6 crore and INR 3 crore, a small figure compared to his estimated net worth of INR 1200 crore.

CSK Shareholding Structure

Chennai Super Kings is an unlisted private entity, meaning its shares are not publicly traded on open stock exchanges. The majority control of the franchise remains with the Srinivasan family, who hold more than 55% of the shares. Public investors collectively own over 30 crore shares, accounting for close to 40% of the total share capital. MS Dhoni Won’t Play as Impact Player for CSK in IPL 2027, Reveals S Badrinath.

MS Dhoni's Enduring Influence

Despite the recent injury that saw him miss the entire 2026 IPL season and the handover of captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024, MS Dhoni's influence within the Chennai Super Kings franchise remains substantial. He continues to play a pivotal role in key cricketing decisions. Sources indicate that Dhoni is actively involved in the ongoing search for a new head coach, following Stephen Fleming's departure after IPL 2026, and is also contributing to discussions surrounding potential player trades ahead of upcoming auctions.

The clarification from Chennai Super Kings aims to put to rest the intense speculation surrounding MS Dhoni's alleged ambitions for a larger ownership role, while affirming his continued, albeit minority, financial interest and significant non-playing involvement with the five-time IPL champions.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 12, 2026 01:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).