Ravichandran Ashwin MS Dhoni for CSK in IPL. Image Credits: AFP
Ravichandran Ashwin, former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) cricketer, has revealed when MS Dhoni will play for the CSK team in the ongoing IPL 2026. CSK has been struggling to win matches, having only three wins from 8 games and 6 points to their name.
Due to a calf ailment, MS Dhoni missed eight straight games for Chennai this season, raising severe concerns about his return. On Sunday, April 26, the Gujarat Titans (GT) defeated the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team by eight wickets at home, significantly hurting their prospects of qualifying for the playoffs.
CSK loses to GT at home in an embarrassing fashion
Chennai Super Kings haven’t been able to use the advantage of playing at home in this IPL 2026, as they lost to Gujarat Titans in a match that will frustrate their fans and ex-players.
Batting first, CSK lost wickets at regular intervals and hence opted for a calculated approach.
Ruturaj Gaikwad carried the CSK innings, scoring 74 in 60 balls with 6 fours and 4 sixes, while Shivam Dube (22), Jamie Overton (18), and Kartik Sharma (15) pushed the final total to a respectable 158/7 in 20 overs.
In response, CSK bowlers proved to be toothless, as Sai Sudharsan (87), Shubman Gill (33), and Jos Buttler (39*) easily helped GT cross the finish line with 8 wickets in hand and in 16.4 overs, gaining two vital points.
Also Read: Fact Check- Have CSK Filed A BCCI Complaint Against Shubman Gill For Offensive Post?
MS Dhoni Remains Sidelined With Calf Strain
During the first two weeks of the IPL 2026, the renowned Chennai Super Kings wicketkeeper MS Dhoni was sidelined due to a calf strain issue. But his recuperation took longer than anticipated, and he has missed the first eight games of the season.
MS Dhoni batted in net sessions and practiced wicketkeeping skills. He was not, however, observed traveling to Chepauk on the team bus. According to reports, he postponed his comeback in order to keep the present lineup.
“If CSK…”—Ravichandran Ashwin reveals the condition on which MS Dhoni will play for CSK
A significant revelation regarding the potential return of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wicketkeeper MS Dhoni in the 2026 Indian Premier League was recently made by former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
According to Ashwin, the five-time IPL-winning CSK captain might not return to the starting lineup until the Chennai team is officially eliminated from the competition.
Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel that MS Dhoni would not take the chance of coming back at any crucial stage for CSK.
According to Ashwin, the Chennai Super Kings still have a reasonable chance of qualifying; therefore, they don't now need to make any last-minute lineup adjustments.
"I will say it directly. If CSK is out of the tournament, then maybe Mahendra Singh Dhoni will play. CSK are on six points and need eight points from the remaining games. If they win four matches, they still have a chance."
"Why take risks now? They won’t take risks. I feel CSK still has a chance to qualify because the mid-table is very crowded. This is not the time to talk about that yet,” Ravichandran Ashwin stated on the YouTube channel.
Michael Hussey, the batting coach for the Chennai Super Kings, affirmed that Dhoni's recuperation is going well.
The management, however, would rather hold off on his return until he is fully match fit.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma Out, MS Dhoni Captain! Jos Buttler's All-Time IPL XI Released
