MS Dhoni’s chances of returning for Chennai Super Kings later in IPL 2026 appear increasingly uncertain, with Ravichandran Ashwin suggesting the franchise may be reluctant to alter a combination that has recently revived its playoff campaign. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said Chennai’s improving form without the former Captain makes an immediate return difficult, even as speculation around Dhoni’s comeback continues to dominate discussion around the franchise.
Dhoni has not featured in IPL 2026 after suffering a calf injury before the start of the season, and while he has remained involved around the squad and participated in training sessions, he is yet to make a competitive appearance. Chennai, meanwhile, have recovered strongly in recent weeks after a difficult phase earlier in the campaign.
CSK entered their recent clash against Delhi Capitals in sixth place with eight points from nine matches before strengthening their playoff position with an eight-wicket victory achieved with 15 balls remaining. The result followed an earlier win over Mumbai Indians and kept Chennai firmly in contention heading into the closing phase of the league stage.
Ashwin questions impact of changing settled CSK lineup
The playoff race remains tightly packed, with Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals both on 12 points from 10 matches, Royal Challengers Bengaluru on 12 points from nine games, Punjab Kings on 13 points form 10 matches and Sunrisers Hyderabad leading with 14 points from 11 matches. Chennai also face Hyderabad later in the league stage, leaving their qualification hopes firmly alive despite the difficult start to the campaign.
Discussing Dhoni’s possible return, Ashwin said: “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.”
The conversation around Dhoni’s availability has remained one of the dominant storylines of CSK’s season, particularly as the team has gradually settled into a more balanced combination during the middle phase of the tournament.
Ashwin also weighs in on Mumbai Indians
Ashwin also reflected on Mumbai Indians’ dramatic chase against Lucknow Super Giants after Rohit Sharma returned with an aggressive innings of 84 from 44 deliveries in a successful pursuit of 229. Ryan Rickelton added 83 from 32 balls as Mumbai secured victory with six wickets in hand and eight deliveries remaining.
Despite the win, Mumbai Indians remain ninth on the table with six points from 10 matches, leaving little margin for error in the race for playoff qualification.
Speaking about Rohit’s innings and the wider state of both teams, he added: “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.”
With the playoff race tightening across the middle of the table, Chennai’s next few matches are likely to play a major role in determining whether speculation around Dhoni’s return continues beyond the league stage.
