Former India off-spinner and a longtime Chennai Super Kings figure, Ravichandran Ashwin, has voiced optimism that MS Dhoni could turn up for CSK’s IPL 2026 encounter on Monday against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Speaking on his YouTube show “Ash Ki Baat”, Ashwin said, “I have a feeling. A lot of people are coming on May 18th. Many members of the commentary team are coming and doing commentary from the commentary box itself. So who knows whether he will play or not, but I am thinking he might come at least. Let’s see.” CSK, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, will play their last home match of the league phase on Monday at Chepauk, and talk around Dhoni’s involvement has intensified.
The 44-year-old Dhoni has not yet appeared in IPL 2026 while continuing his recovery from a calf issue. Although the right-handed batter has been taking part in net sessions, it remains uncertain when he will be ready to return to CSK’s starting XI for what is described as a must-win clash against SRH.
CSK currently find themselves in sixth place in the points table with 12 points, and they need major results in their final two league matches to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The five-time champions arrive at the fixture after enduring a seven-wicket loss to Lucknow Super Giants in their most recent outing. After beginning the campaign with three successive defeats, CSK have steadied their ship and are still in the running for a playoff spot.
Ashwin also suggested a possible role for Dhoni, noting that the wicketkeeper-batter could take the place of young all-rounder Prashant Veer in the playing XI, or be used as an impact option to provide late-match power. “One option is that you can drop Prashant Veer and bring MS into the team, but he has to be an Impact Player. I don’t think MS Dhoni will play in the team; maybe he will be on the Impact List. Then, with the Impact Substitution rule, if they are chasing, he can be kept in the Impact List. Impact List, 70-30,” Ashwin added.
