Chennai Super Kings fans will be buoyed by news from Ravichandran Ashwin that MS Dhoni may finally feature in IPL 2026 for the must-win encounter at home against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Chepauk on Monday, May 18.
Dhoni has yet to feature in a game this season following a calf injury sustained in practice in the run-up to the tournament. While he was originally only expected to miss the first two weeks he has been sidelined far longer than anticipated.
Several reports of Dhoni's readiness have filtered through but the former CSK captain has yet to feature in any matchday squads and has also not travelled with the team for away games.
Ashwin, who maintains good relationships with several players and management staff inside the CSK setup has stated that Dhoni is actually ready to return and has been for a few games now.
Ashwin revealed on his YouTube channel:
"If you see him now, who else will be such a quality pace hitter? So wait and see. I think there is a good chance of MS Dhoni playing in the next match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Let's wait and see. Whatever I know is he has been ready to play for the last two to three matches,"
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Dhoni's potential return boosts CSK's playoff chances.
CSK are still battling for a place in the IPL 2026 playoffs and the game against SRH is critical to their hopes. A recent defeat against Lucknow Super Giants has cranked up the pressure ahead of the closing league games.
CSK coach Stephen Fleming revealed earlier in the season that Dhoni had suffered a setback in his rehabilitation while batting coach Michael Hussey explained that Dhoni was fit to bat but not overall match fit in running and moving.
It was even reported that Dhoni was unwilling to disrupt a settled side while the team was in the midst of the playoff chase however after defeat to LSG, alterations to the line-up are almost certain.
Could this be Dhoni's final game in Chepauk?
Monday's encounter against SRH is also CSK's final home game of IPL 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium and this has understandably reignited retirement rumors surrounding MS Dhoni.
If Dhoni plays the game against SRH it is possible fans may witness his final game in the Chepauk stadium however, Dhoni has defied retirement calls during periods of peak speculation in the past.
The wait is now on for CSK to announce their final team for the game on Monday.
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