We are into the 5th week of the IPL 2026 season, and MS Dhoni remains sidelined. The Chennai Super Kings veteran injured his calf before the start of the season and has since played no part so far in this season.
He was initially ruled out for a couple of weeks and was supposed to miss 4 matches. But CSK have already played eight of them and Dhoni is yet to don the Yellow jersey.
The former India captain has been captured doing light training at Chepauk, but he is yet to play a match. The absence has already been a disappointment for the CSK fans, who fill the Chepauk for their favourite Thala, but the ongoing delay may further extend.
Recently, before the match against Gujarat Titans, there were reports that Dhoni had reached full fitness, but
wanted to keep himself away from the playing XI as he was not willing to break the momentum and combination. CSK coaches confirmed that Dhoni will be back as a wicketkeeper, not just an impact player, but his return to action may only happen if CSK are eliminated, as per former player Ravichandran Ashwin.
Ashwin said that the CSK team management may not bring Dhoni back if they are in the hunt for playoffs.
"If CSK gets out of the tournament, then MS Dhoni might play. CSK are still in the tournament, so why will they take the risk now? I still feel that CSK have a chance to qualify for the playoffs. But yeah, it is difficult. The way CSK have played in the last five matches, it has given them a little confidence. CSK's bowling is firing, if their batting fires, they can put together three wins on the bounce," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Why Ashwin's admission a Concern?
It is likely that MS Dhoni will be out of action if CSK are in the race for the playoffs. Although from the team's point of view it will be welcomed if they are in the playoff hunt, Dhoni's potential absence can be a disappointment for the fans. At the moment, CSK are placed 6th in the table with six points after eight matches.
