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MS Dhoni IPL return (Source: AFP)
The ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) has officially entered the business end, with all 10 teams battling hard to secure crucial 2 points and book a berth in the playoffs.
On the same note, the five-time IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings, will take on Lucknow Super Giants at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in today’s afternoon match.
As things stand, the Super Giants have won three of the 10 matches played. Meanwhile, the Super Kings have won and lost five apiece in their 10 matches, occupying the fifth spot in the points table and will be looking to climb the points table with a win in the encounter.
All said, the former captain, MS Dhoni’s IPL return still remains the biggest concern for the CSK.
Why is MS Dhoni not playing in IPL 2026?
The 44-year-old legendary wicketkeeper-batter, Dhoni, was initially ruled out of the IPL 2026 for two weeks due to a recurring calf strain. It was later reported that he had passed fitness tests. Nonetheless, remained out of the CSK playing 11, causing frustration among his fans and followers.
It is worth noting that the franchise had earlier stated that he would miss the first fortnight of the campaign. However, it’s almost the middle of the season, and he is still nowhere to be seen.
Will MS Dhoni play against LSG?
MS Dhoni's IPL 2026 has so far consisted of training sessions and net practice. The veteran Chennai Super Kings wicketkeeper has been sidelined even before the tournament began due to a calf injury.
Just when his return appeared to be drawing closer, the issue worsened again during training, pushing his comeback further away.
Also read: MS Dhoni's Income Tax Status Announced, Ex India Captain Tops Bihar, Jharkhand
Dhoni has been part of the CSK setup since March and has appeared in practice games and informal sessions, clips of which have made their way onto social media, keeping fans hopeful. But matchdays have come and gone without him putting on his gloves or picking them up.
While there has been no official statement released, his former CSK teammate R Ashwin argues that MS Dhoni’s return to action in IPL 2026 is "very difficult".
He emphasised that bringing him back could disrupt CSK's settled team combination as they push for the playoffs. Ashwin suggested Dhoni might only feature in a final home game if CSK drops out of contention.
Thus, MS Dhoni is unlikely to play in the IPL 2026 match against Lucknow Super Giants in Chennai.
CSK back to winning ways as the playoffs approach faster than ever
Apart from MS Dhoni, the CSK franchise has been marred by injuries to several prominent players, including Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis, and Ramakrishna Ghosh.
Thus, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side started off the season with three straight defeats, but the team has since secured five wins in its next seven matches.
Nonetheless, even when playing without the services of its most decorated cricketer, MS Dhoni, the CSK franchise still stands as one of the leading contenders to reach the IPL 2026 playoffs.
Following a crucial win against Delhi Capitals, they are in the running with 10 points and 4 games left, needing 2-3 more wins to comfortably reach the 14-16-point mark.
Also read: Jay Shah's ICC Held Responsible Behind IPL Final Shift From Bengaluru To Ahmedabad
