Sports
MS Dhoni to play for CSK in IPL 2026
Chennai Super Kings CEO confirms Thala’s return, five-time champion captain eyes sixth title from 26 March.
MUMBAI: Thala’s keeping the yellow faithful on their toes no retirement bell just yet, because MS Dhoni is back for another IPL dance. Chennai Super Kings CEO K. S. Viswanathan put an end to months of speculation on 23 February 2026, confirming that the 44-year-old icon will indeed turn out for CSK in the TATA IPL 2026 season, running from 26 March to 31 May. While Dhoni himself has stayed characteristically silent, the franchise’s word has sent a wave of cheer through fans who feared the 2025 campaign might have been his last in the famous yellow jersey.
Dhoni’s IPL legacy is already the stuff of legend, five titles as captain (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023), tying him with Rohit Sharma as the most successful skipper in tournament history. Across 235 matches led, he notched 136 wins at a win rate of 57.87 per cent numbers built on ice-cool captaincy, razor-sharp field settings, and an uncanny knack for grooming young talent into match-winners.
The upcoming edition features 10 teams battling across 84 T20 matches, and Dhoni’s presence is expected to lend CSK that familiar blend of experience, calm under pressure, and mentorship for the next wave of players. Even if he doesn’t captain every game, his aura alone shifts dressing-room dynamics.
Off the field, Dhoni keeps a full plate, steering Chennai Super Kings, running organic farming ventures, serving as brand ambassador for events like the Pune Grand Tour 2026, holding an honorary rank in the Indian Army, and nurturing Dhoni Entertainment. Cricket may no longer be his full-time gig, but when IPL calls, Thala answers and this time, the roar from Chepauk is already building.
Whether he finishes with six titles or simply enjoys one more lap in the spotlight, Dhoni’s decision keeps the IPL’s biggest heartbeat thumping strong.
Sports
Kaacon Sethi retires as CMO of Dainik Bhaskar Group after 12 years
Led brand, content and revenue innovation across media, sports and entertainment.
MUMBAI: After nearly a dozen years of shaping narratives and building brands, Kaacon Sethi is signing off from the marketing playbook at least for now. The long-time chief marketing officer at Dainik Bhaskar Group has stepped down, bringing to a close a 12-year stint that saw her steer the organisation through evolving media and revenue landscapes.
During her tenure, Sethi worked at the intersection of advertising, content and commerce collaborating closely with advertisers to craft client solutions and develop content-led offerings that went beyond traditional formats. Her role increasingly focused on aligning editorial strengths with brand objectives, unlocking new revenue streams in a media ecosystem undergoing rapid transformation.
Her journey at Bhaskar, she noted, was among the most defining phases of her career, one that allowed her to build, experiment and contribute across marketing, branded content and business strategy. From strengthening market presence to driving newer initiatives such as “Urban Bharat”, her work reflected a broader shift in how media organisations approach audience engagement and monetisation.
Sethi also highlighted the collaborative environment within the organisation, describing it as a space where ideas were tested, debated and pursued with conviction, an approach that helped shape several of the group’s marketing and content innovations over the years.
With experience spanning media, entertainment and sports marketing, her exit marks the end of a significant chapter not just for her but also for the organisation’s evolving marketing strategy.
For now, Sethi plans to take a short break before moving on to the next phase of her career. If the past 12 years are any indication, the pause may be brief but the impact is likely to linger longer.
