IPL 2026: MS Dhoni is all set to wear the iconic yellow jersey once again, with the Chennai Super Kings confirming his return for IPL 2026. While CSK has already begun planning for the future beyond Dhoni, the legend himself is not going anywhere just yet. For now, he remains very much a part of the franchise and continues to play a key role in the team.
Dhoni’s importance to CSK was clear during IPL 2025, when he stepped in to lead the side after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out in the first half of the season. Even without the captain’s armband for most of the year, Dhoni’s presence remained vital both on and off the field.
MS Dhoni’s salary and uncapped status
Chennai Super Kings retained Dhoni in the uncapped category, which means he will earn INR 4 crore in IPL 2026. It is a sharp contrast to the past, when MS Dhoni was among the highest-paid players in the league. Today, he does not even feature among the top earners within the CSK squad.
From star batters to new auction sensations, several players at CSK will earn more than Dhoni in IPL 2026. Here is a closer look at who they are.
Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad lead the pay chart
Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad will be the joint-highest earners at CSK in IPL 2026, with salaries of INR 18 crore each. Samson joined the franchise through a trade after leaving Rajasthan Royals, with CSK sending Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran the other way.
Ruturaj has been a long-term investment for CSK, having joined the team in 2019. He was retained ahead of the IPL 2022 and 2025 mega-auctions and took over the captaincy before IPL 2024. His consistent performances and leadership role justify his place at the top of the salary list.
Big earners who out-earn Dhoni at CSK
Several other CSK players will also take home bigger paychecks than Dhoni in IPL 2026.
CSK Players who will earn more than MS Dhoni in IPL 2026
Sanju Samson – 18 crore
Ruturaj Gaikwad – 18 crore
Shivam Dube – 12 crore
Khaleel Ahmed – 4.80 crore
Rahul Chahar – 5.20 crore
Prashant Veer – 14.20 crore
Karthik Sharma – 14.20 crore
Noor Ahmad – 10 crore
Shivam Dube continues to be a major part of CSK’s plans. Retained for INR 12 crore before IPL 2025, he will earn the same amount in IPL 2026 as well.
Khaleel Ahmed joined CSK at the IPL 2025 mega-auction for INR 4.80 crore and comfortably earns more than MS Dhoni despite being a newer addition to the squad.
Noor Ahmad’s breakout season
Noor Ahmad was one of CSK’s biggest buys at the mega-auction, joining the franchise for INR 10 crore. He fully lived up to expectations, finishing the season with 24 wickets, the most by any spinner. His performances made him one of the standout players in the squad.
Auction history makers: Prashant Veer and Karthik Sharma
Uncapped players Prashant Veer and Karthik Sharma created headlines at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Both were picked up by CSK for INR 14.20 crore each, a remarkable figure for uncapped players. Their salaries are INR 10.20 crore higher than what MS Dhoni will earn this season.
Rahul Chahar also earns more than MS Dhoni
Rahul Chahar rounds off the list with a salary of INR 5.20 crore. The leg-spinner initially went unsold in the first round of the auction, but CSK were determined to bring him in. They eventually secured him after a bidding battle with the Punjab Kings.
MS Dhoni may no longer be CSK’s highest-paid star, but his value to the franchise goes far beyond numbers. As IPL 2026 approaches, the focus remains on making the most of his presence while steadily shaping the next generation of Chennai Super Kings leaders.
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