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MS Dhoni's IPL 2026 return date revealed [Source: AFP]
The IPL 2026 has started and is going in full swings, but something is still missing. While the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have already showcased their dazzling performance, this season, the same cannot be said about CSK’s poster boy, MS Dhoni. The Super Kings fans are eagerly waiting for his return, as Chennai wants to witness ‘Thala’ magic on the field.
The IPL 2026 could potentially be MS Dhoni’s last season in Yellow, and the fans want to capture each and every moment of his in their lenses. Earlier, it was reported that MSD, who suffered a calf-strain injury before the start of the season, could make his triumphant return against SRH on April 18.
MS Dhoni's IPL 2026 return date out
However, it seems the fans need to scratch that date, as MS Dhoni’s comeback in the IPL has been delayed, and now, he won’t be returning against SRH.
According to Express Sports, MS Dhoni’s IPL 2026 return date is locked in, with the former CSK skipper set to play his first game of the season against arch-rivals, the Mumbai Indians, on April 23 at the Wankhede Stadium.
The report stated that the 44-year-old is close to regaining full fitness, and the SRH game seems a bit too close for a return. However, the five-time IPL winner is eying a comeback in the away fixture against the Mumbai Indians.
CSK's next IPL match is against the Sunrisers Hyderabad away from home, but there is no confirmation whether he'll travel with the team for the mega clash.
Also Read: CSK Bowler Joins MS Dhoni In Injured List; Leaves Field In Pain vs KKR
How CSK have performed in MS Dhoni's absence this IPL season
MS Dhoni’s absence this season has hampered CSK’s performance on the field. Without him, the captain of the side, Ruturaj Gaikwad has struggled to make tactical decisions, and this has led to three losses in five games.
The former IPL champions started the season with three back-to-back losses, as the side crumbled under pressure without their most experienced player. However, the franchise bounced back with two wins in a row, as they sit 8th in the points tally.
The Super Kings will once again be without MSD for the away game against SRH, but the team will breathe a sigh of relief as the veteran player will return against MI.
Who will MS Dhoni replace in CSK playing XI
On paper, CSK have an easy choice- Bring in MS Dhoni and replace him with Gaikwad. The CSK captain has been woefully out of form, but since he is the captain of the side, the franchise will continue to back him.
The only logical choice would be for MSD to replace one of the bowlers, mainly Noor Ahmad. The Afghan spinner can then be used as an impact substitute in the second innings.
The Super Kings cannot drop Jamie Overton after his successful performances, and hence, dropping Noor for MSD seems a logical choice.
Also Read: No Virat Kohli In Playing XI, Josh Hazlewood Returns: RCB vs LSG Toss Report
