IPL 2026: MS Dhoni could make his long-awaited return for Chennai Super Kings in Match 63 of Indian Premier League 2026 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday, May 18, 2026.
The 44-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has not played a single match in IPL 2026 after suffering a calf strain before the start of the tournament. The injury forced the former India captain to miss the entire league campaign so far, although he has regularly attended practice sessions with the squad.
Ahead of the SRH clash, Dhoni was once again spotted batting in the nets during CSK’s training session at Chepauk, increasing speculation about a possible return to the playing XI. However, the CSK management has not officially confirmed his availability, and a final decision is expected only at the toss when both teams announce their lineups.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also hinted that Dhoni could return for the match against SRH. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin claimed the veteran wicketkeeper-batter had been fit enough to play over the last few games.
“Even now, if we talk about a quality pace hitter, I think it’s him. Let’s see. I have a feeling that against Sunrisers Hyderabad, there is a good chance of MS Dhoni playing,” Ashwin said. “As far as I have heard, he has been ready to take the field for the last two to three games,” he added.
The match carries added significance as it will be Chennai Super Kings’ final home fixture of the IPL 2026 season. With uncertainty continuing over Dhoni’s IPL future, speculation has intensified over whether this could potentially be his final appearance at Chepauk if he decides not to continue next season.
Despite the growing retirement speculation, neither Dhoni nor the franchise has issued any statement regarding his future beyond IPL 2026.
CSK enter the match still mathematically alive in the playoff race, although their qualification hopes remain slim after an inconsistent campaign affected by injuries and frequent changes in combinations. SRH, meanwhile, are in a much stronger position and can strengthen their playoff hopes significantly with a victory in Chennai.
