MS Dhoni. Image Credits: AFP
MS Dhoni might well be making his return to the CSK playing XI, as per reports. An explosive recent report stated that the legendary wicketkeeper-batter is inching towards full recovery, and might feature in CSK’s upcoming IPL 2026 match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Dhoni has so far missed each of CSK’s first five matches of the tournament, prompting new recruit Sanju Samson to take over wicketkeeping duties.
CSK fans brace for MS Dhoni’s possible return
As reported by RevSportz on Wednesday, April 15, MS Dhoni is inching closer towards full recovery and might feature in CSK’s upcoming match against the SRH in Hyderabad. The report also stated that the legendary wicketkeeper-batter will be taking a final call on Thursday morning (April 16) on whether he will be travelling to Hyderabad for the match.
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It is worth noting that prior to the tournament, Dhoni was ruled out of the season’s first couple of weeks owing to a calf strain. The 44-year-old, who announced his retirement from international cricket back in the year 2020, has been only playing IPL matches for the CSK since then.
What can CSK expect with MS Dhoni’s return?
If MS Dhoni makes his return to the CSK playing XI, the seasoned campaigner might take over wicketkeeping duties from new recruit Sanju Samson. The 44-year-old will also be expected to add more formidability to the team’s middle-order.
Even though Dhoni has limited his role as a batter, the cricketer has been holding a staggering batting strike rate of 167.63 in the past three editions of the tournament combined, having piled up 461 runs off just 275 deliveries with 29 fours and 35 towering sixes.
When did Dhoni last played any form of cricket?
MS Dhoni has not played any form of competitive cricket since match number 67 of the IPL 2025 season last year. The former Indian captain also led the CSK franchise for a major part of IPL 2025 owing to Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury.
He played all 14 games of the season, scoring 196 runs at an average of 24.50 and with a strike rate of 135.17.
CSK back to winning ways in IPL 2026
CSK, fresh off a wooden-spoon finish in IPL 2025, also started off the IPL 2026 season with three straight defeats to Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and to defending champions RCB. However, under the leadership of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, the franchise has now regained its winning momentum with comprehensive results over Delhi Capitals and KKR within the past one week.
In the match against the Capitals, Sanju Samson hammered down an electrifying 115* off just 56 balls with 15 fours and four sixes in Chennai.
On a trail of two wins, CSK will now face SRH in match number 27 of the IPL 2026 season on Saturday, April 18 later this weekend. The match will be hosted by the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
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