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The suspense around MS Dhoni is only getting bigger with every Chennai Super Kings (CSK) match in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026). Fans have been desperately waiting all season to see their favorite icon, MS Dhoni, back in action, but they were only left disappointed.
Now, a fresh update has made the situation around the former Indian and Chennai Super Kings captain even more emotional as the IPL 2026 heads into the business end. CSK has now left only two matches in the ongoing tournament, and their playoff chances look very slim at this stage.
MS Dhoni fit but still not playing? Massive update shocks CSK fans in IPL 2026
It is being said that MS Dhoni was fit enough to play the last two matches against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Chennai on May 10 and Lucknow on May 15. Notably, the five-time champion won the home game by 5 wickets but suffered a seven-wicket loss to LSG in Lucknow.
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Well, even after recovering from the calf injury, the CSK legend has surprisingly decided not to return because he did not want to disturb the team combination in the middle of the ongoing IPL 2025. That decision has now surprised many, especially because everyone expected him to make a comeback as soon as he became fit.
As claimed by the well-known journalist Indraneil Basu from Cric Blogger, Dhoni was fit for the last two matches against LSG, but he refused to play because he did not want to disturb CSK’s team combination.
🚨 UPDATE ON MS DHONI 🚨
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 17, 2026
Dhoni was fit for the last 2 matches against LSG in Chennai & Lucknow but opted not to feature because he did not want to disturb the team combination. [Indranil Basu from Cric Blogger] pic.twitter.com/P0ahFYagBR
MS Dhoni set for emotional Chepauk return?
Earlier, former CSK spinner Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that Dhoni had been cleared to play for the last few games. Now all focus has shifted to CSK’s next IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 18 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Since this is Chennai’s final home match of the ongoing IPL 2026 season, emotions are expected to be very high inside the stadium, and it is being said that this could finally be the night when Dhoni returns in the iconic yellow jersey. Chepauk is expected to be packed with supporters hoping to see their beloved Thala walk onto the field one more time.
At the same time, there is also fear among fans that IPL 2026 could become Dhoni’s last season. If he misses the SRH game and also stays out of CSK’s final league match against Gujarat Titans on May 21, he might announce his retirement from the league.
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CSK’s playoff dreams in trouble as Dhoni remains sidelined
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings have played all 12 matches this season without MS Dhoni. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter has been struggling with a calf strain injury that he sustained during his preparation for the ongoing tournament.
But Dhoni was regularly seen attending practice sessions and batting in the nets, but didn’t play either of the games. In his absence, Sanju Samson has handled the wicketkeeping role for CSK this season.
They are currently sitting in the seventh spot with 12 points from 12 games, and now their playoff chances depend on the other results as well, even if they win both remaining games.
