MS Dhoni waiting for one farewell game? Ashwin doubts Thala's IPL 2026 return
IPL 2026: Ravichandran Ashwin said MS Dhoni is unlikely to return to CSK's XI this season. With Chennai finding balance and staying in the playoff race, any comeback may be limited to a farewell appearance.
Former India and Chennai Super Kings spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has cast serious doubt over MS Dhoni returning for CSK in IPL 2026, suggesting the franchise legend may only feature for a farewell appearance if the side falls out of playoff contention. Dhoni has not played a single game this season because of a calf strain, while Chennai have slowly rediscovered form in his absence.
CSK strengthened their playoff hopes on May 5 with a comfortable win over Delhi Capitals in New Delhi, continuing a strong run even without Dhoni in the playing XI. Speaking on his YouTube channel after the match, Ashwin admitted that Chennai’s current balance makes it difficult for the former captain to walk straight back into the side.
IPL, DC vs CSK: UPDATES | SCORECARD
“If MS Dhoni comes, then the combination will be changed. It becomes very difficult, so I think there are very slim chances [of making a comeback],” Ashwin said.
“If they lose two of their next three games, then he might get a farewell game in Chennai.”
The timing of Ashwin’s comments makes the conversation even more interesting. For the first time in a while, CSK actually look settled without constantly waiting around for Dhoni’s availability update.
WHY IS MS DHONI NOT PLAYING IPL 2026?
Dhoni has not played a single match in IPL 2026 so far after suffering a calf strain before the start of the season.
While CSK have repeatedly maintained that the former skipper could return at some stage, the 39-year-old has largely stayed away from matchdays despite training occasionally in the nets.
In the early phase of the season, Chennai looked badly short on balance without him. But over the last few games, things have slowly started clicking.
The batting has found rhythm, the bowling attack looks more settled, and players like Sanju Samson have stepped up massively during the middle phase of the campaign.
That is exactly why Ashwin feels changing the current combination now may not make much sense.
Adding Dhoni back into the XI would likely force CSK to reshuffle either their batting structure or overseas balance at a stage where the team finally appears comfortable.
CAN CSK QUALIFY FOR IPL 2026 PLAYOFFS?
A few weeks ago, CSK looked completely out of the playoff race.
Now, suddenly, things look very different.
Tuesday’s win over Delhi pushed Chennai to 10 points from 10 matches, leaving them just two points behind the cluster of teams sitting between second and fifth on the table.
More importantly, CSK’s next two matches are against bottom-placed Lucknow Super Giants, first at home on May 10 and then away on May 15.
That gives Chennai a genuine opportunity to build momentum at exactly the right time of the season.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score