27Aug 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has questioned reports claiming that MS Dhoni sought a 25% stake in Chennai Super Kings (CSK), calling the reported demand unrealistic.
The reports have suggested that Dhoni wanted to buy a significant share in the IPL franchise, but negotiations with the CSK management reportedly failed to produce an agreement. Chopra said he believed the story may have been planted, although he stopped short of calling it fake news because he did not have verified information.
Reports of Dhoni’s 25% Stake Demand
According to reports attributed to CricBlogger, Dhoni initially sought to purchase a 25% stake in CSK.
The demand was reportedly reduced to 20% and then 18% during subsequent discussions, while CSK’s reported offer increased from 3% to 4% and eventually 5.5%. The negotiations were said to have taken place orally, without a formal written proposal or agreement.
Aakash Chopra Calls the Figure Unrealistic
Chopra argued that a 25% stake in CSK would represent an enormous financial commitment.
He pointed to reports that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise had recently been valued at around $1.7-$1.8 billion, and said CSK has comparable value because of its five IPL titles, strong brand and international franchise presence.
‘No One Gives $400 Million’
Chopra said that if CSK were valued at around $1.8 billion, a 25% stake would be worth roughly $450 million.
He argued that no IPL franchise owner would simply hand over such a stake and said an interested buyer would need to invest a comparable amount to acquire it.
The former cricketer therefore described the reported 25% demand as “unrealistic” and questioned the credibility of the story.
Chopra Also Questions the 5.5% Figure
Chopra said that even a reported 5.5% stake would represent a substantial amount of money given CSK’s valuation.
He highlighted the large financial implications of even a small percentage of ownership in a top IPL franchise.
‘I Feel It Is a Planted Story’
Chopra went further, saying he had a feeling the entire story was not true.
He pointed to the reported sequence of negotiations—Dhoni allegedly asking for 25%, then 20% and 18%, while CSK allegedly moved from 3% to 4% and 5.5%—as a reason for his doubts.
However, he acknowledged that he did not have verified information and therefore would not label the report as fake news.
Dhoni’s Long Association With CSK
Dhoni and CSK have been closely associated since the inaugural IPL season in 2008.
He captained the franchise to five IPL titles and became one of its most recognisable figures. Despite missing the entire IPL 2026 season, Dhoni remained closely linked with discussions surrounding the franchise’s future.
Stake Talks Reportedly Ended Without Agreement
Separate reports have claimed that negotiations between Dhoni and CSK management ended without an agreement.
The reports have also raised questions about Dhoni’s future association with the franchise, although there has been no official confirmation that the reported ownership discussions will determine whether he returns to the team.
No Official Confirmation Yet
Importantly, the reported stake negotiations have not been publicly confirmed by Dhoni or CSK.
The ownership claims therefore remain based on media reports, while Chopra’s comments reflect his personal assessment of the reported figures rather than confirmation of the negotiations.
What Happens Next
Dhoni’s future role with CSK is likely to remain a major talking point ahead of the IPL 2027 season.
For now, the reported stake discussions remain unresolved, while Chopra’s comments have added another layer to the debate surrounding Dhoni’s long-term relationship with the franchise.