MS Dhoni IPL comeback: CSK official gives major update on return timeline

There is a new update on MS Dhoni's availability for the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026. CSK's former skipper, who has won five IPL titles for the team as captain, has not played in any of CSK's 9 matches in IPL 2026. He has been working to recover from a calf strain he sustained at the start of the season.

Over the last few matches, Dhoni has been trying to rebuild his workload by practicing both keeping and batting in the nets, but hasn't actually been seen on the ground. Now, an anonymous member of the CSK management has provided an update on his fitness.

Key Points

• MS Dhoni yet to play in IPL 2026 due to calf injury
• CSK official says comeback decision is Dhoni’s call
• Veteran working on fitness in nets
• No confirmed return date yet

"He is committed and extremely focused on training" - CSK management

Over the 19 years of the IPL, Dhoni has managed to become mostly synonymous with CSK owing to his exploits both with the bat and as captain. Many fans have been holding out with hope that there might be one last glimpse of Dhoni. Now, a senior member of CSK's management has spoken to RevSportz about Dhoni's comeback.

"I can surely tell you that Dhoni is working hard to make it. He is committed and is extremely focused on training. But when he will decide to make a comeback is not something any one of us knows. It is his call.”

Reports over the past few weeks have suggested that CSK's management has left the call on MS Dhoni's comeback to the man himself. There has been speculation since at least the last three matches as to whether or not he will be back, but ultimately, the great comeback hasn't materialised.

Dhoni's IPL career with CSK

Dhoni has been nothing short of a talisman as CSK's captain over the years. He has made the IPL final 10 times with this team and won 5 of those matches.

Although he has been limited to cameos in this late stage of his career, he was one of the best finishers going around in his heyday. MS Dhoni is CSK's most capped player in IPL history and their highest run-getter of all time. He also has the most sixes in IPL history for the team.

CSK in IPL 2026

Without MS Dhoni, CSK have found their middle order to be rather unstable, and that has led to CSK's form being middling in IPL 2026.

CSK are currently sixth on the points table with just 4 wins in 9 matches. The poor string of results has left CSK's playoffs hopes hanging by a thread. Even if they win all their matches from here, they might need help from other results to make it through.

Injuries haven't made CSK's time in the tournament easier either. Other than MS Dhoni, Ayush Mhatre, Khaleel Ahmed, and Nathan Ellis have all been out due to injury. Ramakrishna Ghosh has also joined this growing list now.

Also Read: CSK injury list grows! Ramakrishna Ghosh RULED OUT of IPL 2026 after a foot fracture vs MI

CSK's next match in IPL 2026

CSK will take on the seventh-placed Delhi Capitals next. The match will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on May 5.

Until match day, there will be no real confirmation on whether or not MS Dhoni will finally suit up for the Yellow Army.

FAQ

• Why is MS Dhoni not playing in IPL 2026?
  He is recovering from a calf injury suffered at the start of the season.
• Will MS Dhoni return this season?
  There is no confirmed timeline, and the decision is his call.
• What did CSK say about Dhoni’s comeback?
  A senior official said Dhoni is training hard but has not decided on his return yet.