IPL 2026: Ravichandran Ashwin has hinted that MS Dhoni could finally return for Chennai Super Kings in Match 63 of Indian Premier League 2026 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Dhoni has not played a single match in IPL 2026 after suffering a calf injury during a training session before the start of the tournament. Although he was initially expected to miss only the opening phase of the season, the former CSK captain has remained unavailable throughout the campaign.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin claimed Dhoni has been fit enough to return for the last few matches and suggested the veteran wicketkeeper-batter could feature in CSK’s upcoming game at Chepauk.
“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.
Dhoni’s prolonged absence has remained one of the major talking points of the IPL 2026 season. Although the 44-year-old has regularly been seen training in the nets, he has not travelled for several away fixtures and has continued to stay out of CSK’s matchday squads. Reports have also suggested that Dhoni did not want to disturb CSK’s settled combination while the team remained in contention for a playoff spot.
However, Chennai’s recent defeat against Lucknow Super Giants has complicated their playoff hopes as the five-time champions now facing must-win situations in their remaining league matches.
The upcoming fixture against SRH will also be CSK’s final home game of the the season at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, further increasing speculation around Dhoni’s possible return.
