Chennai Super Kings‘The biggest question in ipl 2026 The news continues to revolve around the return of the legendary captain ms dhoni. With the franchise having managed only three wins from its first eight matches, fans are waiting for clarity on whether Dhoni will play again this season.
Dhoni has been out of action since the start of IPL 2026 due to a calf injury, and despite many expectations surrounding his return, the experienced wicketkeeper-batsman has been unavailable. He was expected to make a comeback in Chennai’s recent match against Mumbai Indians, but that did not happen, leaving supporters disappointed once again.
Ravichandran Ashwin reveals when MS Dhoni can play for CSK in IPL 2026
Speaking on this burning topic, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin Now shared his views on the matter, suggesting that Dhoni can make a comeback only if CSK is officially out of the playoff race. According to Ashwin, the franchise is unlikely to take any unnecessary risks while they still have a mathematical chance of finishing in the top four.
Ashwin said that the CSK management would prefer to be cautious about Dhoni’s fitness rather than bring him into action during such a crucial phase of the tournament.
Ashwin, who was part of the Chennai Super Kings setup last season, believes Dhoni’s presence will be considered only if the team is no longer fighting for a playoff spot. He said that if CSK is eliminated from the tournament, Dhoni can return, but as long as he remains alive in the competition, the team will avoid taking such a big risk. Ashwin also pointed out that despite the tough road ahead, Chennai still have a real chance of reaching the playoffs.
“If CSK gets knocked out of the tournament, MS Dhoni can play. CSK is still in the tournament, so why would they take the risk now? I still think CSK have a chance to qualify for the playoffs. But yes, it is difficult. The way CSK have played in the last five matches, they have got a bit of confidence. CSK’s bowling is brilliant, if their batting picks up, they can register three wins in a row.” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
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CSK’s recent improvement gives hope
Although Chennai have struggled for consistency this season, Ashwin feels his performances have shown signs of improvement in the last few matches. Their bowling unit in particular has started to perform strongly and have kept them competitive in tight matches.
Ashwin mentioned that CSK’s bowling attack is performing well, and if the batting unit can finally click together, the five-time champions can still build on the winning streak and revive their campaign. According to him, winning a few consecutive matches can completely change the playoff picture for the franchise. Although it remains a challenging task, the experienced core of the team gives them hope.
At present, all eyes are on Dhoni’s recovery and CSK’s results in the upcoming matches. Whether the iconic captain makes a comeback this season or not will entirely depend on how Chennai performs in the next few matches.
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