Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin feels that MS Dhoni\u2019s return to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) XI in IPL 2026 could depend on how the franchise fares in the playoff race. Ashwin believes the wicketkeeper-batter may only be brought back if CSK are effectively out of contention, rather than risking his fitness while there is still a realistic shot at qualification.<\/p>\n
CSK have managed just three wins from eight matches so far in the IPL 2026 season, yet there has been no definitive development on Dhoni\u2019s comeback. Dhoni has been sidelined since the tournament began with a calf problem. He was expected to feature in CSK\u2019s previous outing against the Gujarat Titans, but that return never materialised.<\/p>\n
Ashwin, who was part of the CSK setup last season, shared his assessment on his YouTube channel. He suggested that the franchise would be cautious, given the stakes of the remaining campaign and the need to protect the player\u2019s workload while qualification is still possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf CSK get knocked out of the tournament, then MS Dhoni might play. CSK are still in the race, so why would they take that risk right now? I still think CSK have a chance to qualify for the playoffs. But honestly, it\u2019s difficult. The way CSK have performed in their last five matches has given them a bit of confidence. Their bowling is clicking\u2014if their batting also comes together, they can string together three wins in a row,\u201d Ashwin said.<\/p>\n
Earlier, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming had indicated that Dhoni\u2019s calf issue is serious enough that the team cannot simply rush him back. Fleming pointed to the possibility of aggravating the injury if Dhoni resumes too early, which could potentially rule him out for the remainder of the season.<\/p>\n
Fleming said, \u201cThe calf is a tough one. If he comes back and then tears it again, then he\u2019s finished. We tried to push it early, and even in the warm-up game he tweaked it again\u2014at least that\u2019s how it looked to me. Since then, he\u2019s been working hard to bring some movement into it, but there was a setback, so it has taken longer than we thought.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added that Dhoni has been working closely with the medical staff, but the final decision will depend on how the injury progresses. \u201cHe\u2019s the guide on this one, and he\u2019s working hard with the physio and doing all the rehab. We\u2019re just waiting for the word. All I can say is don\u2019t treat it lightly\u2014he\u2019s progressing and doing everything he can,\u201d Fleming said on Sunday following CSK\u2019s loss.<\/p>\n
Ashwin also argued that CSK\u2019s immediate priority should be their next fixture against the Mumbai Indians, focusing on picking up wins from the matches that remain. In his view, a victory over MI could help CSK climb back into contention, especially with several games still scheduled on batting-friendly surfaces.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf CSK want to stay in the tournament, they have to win the next game. If they can beat MI, they can find themselves back in that mid-table mix. Looking at the fixtures left for CSK, they\u2019ll be playing on good batting wickets. And even Ruturaj is back in form. Winning four out of six isn\u2019t that hard,\u201d Ashwin said.<\/p>\n
For continuing coverage of IPL 2026, fans can follow live scores, match updates, the points table, and the race for the Orange Cap and Purple Cap.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin feels that MS Dhoni\u2019s return to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) XI in IPL 2026 could depend on how the…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":5895,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"IPL 2026: Ashwin Says Dhoni Return Depends on CSK Playoffs","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Ashwin on IPL 2026: MS Dhoni\u2019s CSK return hinges on playoff chances, not early risk\u2014here\u2019s what the former spinner said.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5898","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"\n