MS Dhoni’s continued absence from IPL 2026 remains a major talking point, with the Chennai Super Kings icon yet to take the field this season as he continues his recovery from a knee problem. After being ruled out of the opening stretch, his comeback timeline was pushed back further when the same issue resurfaced during training. Since then, Dhoni’s return has been the subject of constant debate, and every CSK fixture has only intensified the question of whether he will finally break back into the playing XI.
While Dhoni’s situation has drawn the headlines, CSK have steadied their campaign in recent matches and managed to keep themselves firmly in the playoff hunt. With four league games left, they remain well placed—provided they can win at least three of those remaining contests. Dhoni has been part of the squad since March, taking part in practice sessions and net work, with short glimpses from his training widely shared across social media. However, despite those visible signs of progress, he has still not made a match appearance. On matchdays as well, he has stayed away from the playing surface, keeping a low profile while the franchise concentrates on its push for the postseason.
Ashwin speaks on how Dhoni’s return could affect CSK
Former CSK spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has now weighed in on Dhoni’s possible return, arguing that bringing the wicketkeeper-batter back into the XI could disturb the existing balance of CSK’s current lineup. Ashwin also suggested that a comeback looks unlikely unless there is a significant change in circumstances later in the season.
“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]. If they lose two of their next three games, then he might get a farewell game in Chennai,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Ashwin on Rohit Sharma’s comeback and MI’s situation
Ashwin also offered a contrasting note by praising Rohit Sharma’s return from a hamstring injury earlier in the campaign. Rohit marked his comeback with an impactful 84 against Lucknow Super Giants, a knock that proved decisive in keeping Mumbai Indians’ playoff hopes alive at a crucial point in the tournament. Ashwin said Rohit’s batting provided real momentum, while also stressing that the larger picture for both Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants may not be explained by single match outcomes alone.
“Rohit Sharma played a very good knock. The way he hit Avesh Khan for a six over extra cover, put it in a loop, and watch it 1000 times. What a shot, he also hit Manimaran Siddharth for a six over the bowler. But LSG and MI have no scene in this IPL. Mumbai have nothing to prove. They only have themselves to prove. But even against LSG, they were in trouble with the ball. So, let’s see if they can do better from hereon,” he added.
