Fresh indications are emerging that MS Dhoni’s long-awaited return to the IPL could finally be on the horizon in 2026, even after earlier suggestions that his absence might stretch further. The Chennai Super Kings wicketkeeper-batter, who has not taken the field in the current campaign, has been seen joining training activity with the CSK group, according to footage shared by the franchise on social media.
On May 1, ahead of CSK’s home fixture against Mumbai Indians at Chepauk, Dhoni was spotted at the stadium in full training gear. The appearance also set the stage for a notable reunion with Hardik Pandya, the former India teammate now captaining MI. Their interaction quickly turned into a warm, personal moment, with the two sharing a hug during Mumbai’s practice session.
In another clip from CSK’s social channels, Pandya was seen offering his bat to Dhoni, as if seeking advice and input. Dhoni appeared to respond positively, engaging in a short exchange before Pandya returned to his teammates. Another video captured Pandya reacting from behind the nets to one of Dhoni’s shots, with Pandya’s words coming through as he watched: “Mahi bhai love you darling bye bye.”
Dhoni’s involvement in training is particularly significant because he was previously ruled out of the early part of the tournament because of a calf strain. Since then, his regular presence at sessions has steadily fed the idea that his return may not be far away.
While Dhoni’s potential comeback is generating plenty of buzz, both franchises involved in the upcoming CSK-MI clash are dealing with their own challenges in the standings. Mumbai Indians sit second from the bottom after eight matches, and they will be keen to arrest the slide. Chennai are placed in sixth, marginally better positioned, but still under considerable pressure as the competition tightens and multiple teams surge ahead.
With the margin for error shrinking, fitness concerns continue to cast a shadow over key players. Dhoni and Rohit Sharma are both in recovery mode from injuries, and that inevitably affects planning and selection. On top of the health issues, leadership transitions under Ruturaj Gaikwad at CSK and Hardik Pandya at MI have not yet produced the kind of stable rhythm that teams typically need to thrive in the league stage.
Neither side has been able to settle on a fixed playing combination for long, and that instability has been reflected in their squad usage. Mumbai have already fielded 22 players this season, while Chennai have rotated 19, highlighting uncertainty around their best XI. The introduction of the Impact Player rule has also left room for tough tactical calls, with some decisions proving hard to interpret in the moment.
As the storied CSK vs MI rivalry prepares for another chapter, Dhoni’s possible return could provide more than just a storyline—it may offer a timely boost to the contest and inject extra energy into CSK’s push in the tournament.
