Will MS Dhoni play in IPL 2026? R Ashwin reveals the only condition for Mahi’s final appearance in CSK colours

KEY TAKEAWAYS: MS Dhoni is yet to play in IPL 2026 due to a recurring calf injury. CSK sit on 10 points, with two winnable games against the bottom-placed Lucknow Super Giants ahead. Dhoni might make an appearance in Chennai before the playoffs.

MS Dhoni's Chennai farewell game cannot be ruled out in IPL 2026 MS Dhoni's IPL 2026 has so far consisted of training sessions and net practice. The veteran Chennai Super Kings wicketkeeper has been sidelined even before the tournament began due to a calf injury. Just when his return appeared to be drawing closer, the issue worsened again during training, pushing his comeback further away.

Dhoni has been part of the CSK setup since March and has appeared in practice games and informal sessions, clips of which have made their way onto social media and kept fans hopeful. But matchdays have come and gone without him pulling on his gloves or picking up his gloves. MORE: CSK's IPL 2026 playoff chances: Qualification scenarios, wins and points required What did R Ashwin say about MS Dhoni's comeback hopes in IPL 2026?

Former CSK spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, gave an honest assessment of how likely a Dhoni return actually is. He believes that bringing Dhoni back into the playing eleven would force a rethink of the combination that has been working well for Chennai, and that kind of disruption mid-season is something teams generally try to avoid. However, he did leave open one particular scenario.