'CSK management thought otherwise': MS Dhoni denied stake at Chennai Super Kings as relationship continues to sour - Report

'CSK management thought otherwise': MS Dhoni denied stake at Chennai Super Kings as relationship continues to sour - Report originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

• MS Dhoni reportedly sought a 25% stake in the IPL franchise CSK.
• While Dhoni lowered his demand to 18%, CSK's final offer stood at 5.5%.
• Talks ended without an agreement, reportedly further straining their relationship.

The long-running affair of MS Dhoni with Chennai Super Kings seems to face a setback as a new report suggests that Dhoni's attempt to take a stake in the team had failed to materialize into an agreement.

According to a report by CricBlogger journalist Indranil Basu, MS Dhoni had shown interest in taking a stake in the franchise during the last season of the Indian Premier League. Per the report, Dhoni demanded 25% stake in the franchise whereas the franchise owners offered him only 3%.

Then Dhoni had lowered his demands from 25% to 20% and even to 18% while on the other hand, CSK offered Dhoni 3%, then 4% and later 5.5%. With neither party compromising, the talks remained inconclusive.

CricBlogger report also says that all the talk was done orally while there was no written proposal or deal between the two.

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The report quoted a source as saying Dhoni was prepared to pay for his proposed stake, rather than seeking ownership because of his long association with CSK.

The source claimed: "Dhoni wanted to buy a stake. He wasn't asking for it for free, but the CSK management thought otherwise."

The development comes amid wider reports of tensions between Dhoni and CSK, with CricBlogger claiming he was frustrated by not being consulted on player-related decisions in recent years.

The failed talks have added to uncertainty over Dhoni's future with CSK. The report said it remains unclear whether the disagreement played any role in him not featuring during the 2026 season, although a source suggested trust between the two sides had suffered.

There is also uncertainty over whether Dhoni will wear the CSK jersey again, potentially ending an association dating back to 2008 that includes five IPL titles under his leadership.

According to the report, another unnamed former India captain and Dhoni's former teammate also explored an IPL ownership stake but could not reach an agreement.

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The rumoured stake negotiation might mean a lot more than just another dispute on percentages. After all, Dhoni has had an important connection with the team aside from being a player and a captain, and owning a share in the franchise would make their relationship official in a way.

Therefore, the difference between 18% and 5.5% seems even more telling. Apparently, both sides were unwilling to make concessions, and the lack of an official agreement during the negotiation process implies that the issue is not just about the valuation anymore.

Nevertheless, for CSK to go ahead without Dhoni might be necessary in order to make a proper transition. However, if this is going to happen, it will be rather ironic since their relationship is one of the most successful in the history of IPL.

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