Former India and CSK offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin dropped a bombshell regarding MS Dhoni’s return to action in IPL 2026.
Dhoni has not played any of Chennai Super Kings’ six matches in the tournament as he is recovering from a calf strain.
Ashwin recently took to his YouTube channel and chatted to journalist Vimal Kumar over MS Dhoni’s availability in the ongoing tournament.
CSK’s troubles with injury
MS Dhoni hasn’t been with the team because of his injury, but he is arguably the least of CSK’s problems. CSK lost Nathan Ellis to injury before the season, and his replacement, Spencer Johnson, arrived only recently.
Dewald Brevis missed the start of the season and made a comeback to the team. But, he seems to have picked up an injury again and has had to miss the more recent matches.
Both Khaleel Ahmed and Ayush Mhatre have been fully ruled out of IPL 2026, and CSK are yet to sign a replacement for either player. The loss of such crucial players to injury has caused instability in CSK’s ranks and have made life harder on the field.
CSK have won only two of their six matches and are placed eighth on the points table. Dhoni’s absence especially has left CSK’s middle order a rudderless mess. CSK’s bowling has also suffered from issues regarding consistency.
Also Read: MS Dhoni denies giving clarity to CSK on his IPL 2026 availability ahead of MI clash
Ashwin’s statement on MS Dhoni
Ravichandran Ashwin said that whatever signs he has seen make him feel confident about MS Dhoni’s participation in the marquee clash against the Mumbai Indians on April 23.
“There is great news, I have never seen him [Dhoni] keep wickets in the nets. This means that Dhoni will play and he will keep wickets and Sanju [Samson] will play as an outfielder”. Ashwin said
Ashwin went on to add that he thought that MS Dhoni’s comeback would definitely happen. Apart from all the time that the two spent playing for India together, Dhoni and Ashwin have also spent 9 IPL seasons together at CSK.
“He might also come in as an Impact Player, but I am 100% sure that he will play. Based on what I have heard, he is fit and good to go.” Ashwin added.
Dhoni’s impact on CSK
Dhoni has won five titles as captain for CSK in the IPL. His impact in the lower middle order at this stage of his career is crucial for CSK. CSK’s middle order has been out of form in this tournament, and Dhoni’s arrival may change that.
Once he returns, Dhoni will also take on the role of an on-field mentor as part of the leadership group that CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad will try to rely on.
CSK are currently eighth on the points table. Their next three matches are against the Mumbai Indians on April 23, the Gujarat Titans on April 26, and MI again on May 2.
