Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have found of late as they are beginning to get their team combination right despite injuries to key players Ayush Mhatre and Khaleel Ahmed. But, one question still remains. When will MS Dhoni play for CSK in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026? It turns out Dhoni has regained full fitness but is reluctant to walk into playing XI and disturb the combination.
Ahead of the clash against Gujarat Titans (GT), Dhoni has completed his rehab after he missed several games due to a calf injury. There were signs in the practice that he might play in the Mumbai Indians (MI) clash but he didn't. On the eve of the match against GT at home, head coach Stephen Fleming did not give a definitive date of 44-year-old's return.
“He’s progressing well. He’s on the road to recovery and doing everything that’s being asked of him,” Fleming told the reporters in the pre-match press conference.
However, as per a report by Indian Express, Dhoni has regained full fitness already. Despite the ongoing season not being CSK's best, Dhoni does not want to take a youngster's spot and disturb the combination, especially after the massive 103-run win against Hardik Pandya's MI.
CSK are currently placed fifth on the points table as they have a better net run rate (NRR) than Delhi Capitals (DC) and GT who have three wins to their name as well. After the April 26 clash, CSK have a big break to rejuvenate. On May 2, they will host MI at home.
Who can Dhoni replace in playing XII?
For the previous game, Dhoni did not turn up at the stadium and stayed in the hotel room. With Mhatre injured, Sarfaraz Khan batted at no.3. Rs 14.20 crore recruit Kartik Sharma got another chance but at no. 6 as Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis batted ahead of him. Kartik managed to score 18 runs from 19 balls in a high-scoring encounter. He hit two sixes but played too many dot balls, leading up to the slog overs.
Considering the current combination, Dhoni can walk into the squad in Kartik’s place. It is yet to be seen whether the legendary captain is urged by CSK management to don the wicketkeeping gloves again or not for GT game or the next.