MS Dhoni IPL 2026 (Source: AFP)
Chennai Super Kings will lock horns with Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 match number 37, in the afternoon match today, April 26.
After a losing streak, Ruturaj Gaikwad-CSK, finally earned their first points with a commanding victory against rivals Mumbai Indians in the El Clásico of the Indian Premier League.
Notably, India’s recent T20 World Cup star, Sanju Samson, was back at his best with an unbeaten 101 before spinners tightened the noose as the visitors crushed MI by 103 runs at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.
Despite the emphatic win, there is still so much talk around MS Dhoni’s IPL return. As the MI vs CSK match marked the seventh straight match, Chennai Super Kings were without MS Dhoni in the season so far.
What’s the latest update on MS Dhoni IPL return?
The veteran wicketkeeper-batter, who was ruled out initially due to a calf injury, has now missed close to a month of action. While Dhoni has been seen practising both batting and keeping, he hasn’t featured in matches yet, leaving fans disappointed.
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After batter Ayush Mhatre was ruled out for the remainder of IPL 2026, a spot in the CSK playing 11 had become available. Thus, Dhoni was expected to return to play in CSK’s latest match against Mumbai Indians, with the franchise potentially making changes to the combination.
Nonetheless, CSK made one change to the lineup, recalling Kartik Sharma in the playing XI in place of Australia’s Matthew Short, with no signs of MS Dhoni's IPL return yet.
On the other hand, there were rumours that when Dhoni returns, he might play only as an impact substitute and avoid wicketkeeping duties.
Will MS Dhoni play against GT in today's IPL match?
However, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey, speaking on the sideline of the MI vs CSK match, cleared the air, confirming that he is expected to return as a wicketkeeper, not just a specialist batter. Hussey emphasised the focus on his full fitness, saying, “We’re hopeful it could be in the next few games, but he needs to be close to 100% to give his best.”
Now, the question is, when will Dhoni make his IPL return?
During the presser, Hussey also provided a positive update, saying Dhoni is making good progress and is eager to return.
“He’s progressing really well. I know he’s pushing hard to return as soon as possible, and the fans are eager to see MS Dhoni back on the field,” he added.
Again, there have been no news of Dhoni being available underlines that he is still not fully match-fit. The latest update on his availability came from an Indian Express report which stated that despite being fit, Dhoni is unwilling to tinker the current combination and hence, he might sit out due to this reason vs GT.
Moreover, for now, CSK are managing well and sit mid-table. After beating Mumbai, the management will most likely trust the current combination. Thus, MS Dhoni most likely sit out the match against Gujarat Titans.
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