When Will MS Dhoni Play For CSK In IPL 2026? New Update Arrives

MS Dhoni [Source: AFP]

MS Dhoni once again missed being a part of CSK’s playing XI in the ongoing IPL 2026 season, this time missing his team’s away fixture against the Delhi Capitals. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter has now missed each of CSK’s 10 matches of the season so far.

While the 44-year-old was ruled out for a couple of weeks prior to the tournament, he has since been occasionally spotted training in the nets alongside his colleagues. Earlier update indicated that the cricketer did not travel to Delhi so that he can stay back in Chennai and work on his rehabilitation.

However, a latest report regarding MS Dhoni’s recovery process suggests that the veteran is still not close to attaining full match fitness, casting further doubt over his IPL 2026 return timeline.

MS Dhoni presents his comeback scenario to CSK management

On Wednesday, May 6, a Jagran reporter claimed that a top CSK official has dropped a discouraging update for fans regarding the return of MS Dhoni. The official stated that the cricketer is still not match-fit at the moment, as CSK head towards the business end of the IPL 2026 season.

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Moreover, the CSK official also added that Dhoni has informed the CSK management that he will not play until he is “completely fit”.

Abhishek Tripathi / अभिषेक त्रिपाठी

@abhishereporter

हां मैं वहीं बैठा था। @ChennaiIPL के सबसे बड़े अधिकारी ने हमसे कहा कि @msdhoni फिट नहीं है। इसीलिए वो दिल्ली नहीं आए। उन्होंने मैनेजमेंट को कहा है जब तक वह पूरी तरह फिट नहीं होंगे तब तक नहीं खेलेंगे।

When will MS Dhoni return to the field?

Latest report indicate that the CSK franchise is still not close to providing an official update regarding the exact return of MS Dhoni into the team’s playing XI this IPL 2026 season. While he was originally ruled out of the first two weeks of the tournament, the cricketer has so far missed over five weeks’ worth of action.

Back in late-April last month, the former Indian captain was spotted training alongside his CSK colleagues during a net’s session. Dhoni’s training routine indicate that the cricketer remains committed to regaining full fitness, although his eventual return still appears to hinge entirely on medical clearance and physical readiness.

CSK jump back to winning ways in IPL 2026

Playing without the services of its most decorated cricketer, the CSK franchise still stand as one of the leading contenders to make it to the IPL 2026 playoffs. While the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side started off the season with three straight defeats, the team has since secured five wins off its next seven matches.

With five wins and five losses in 10 games, CSK is currently ranked sixth on the IPL 2026 points table, holding a formidable NRR of 0.151.

In a bid to conclude the league stage as one of the top four sides of the season, Gaikwad and co. need to win at least three of their remaining four matches. On a trail of a newfound winning momentum, the franchise will fancy its chances of scripting a late surge into the playoff spots.

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