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The suspense regarding MS Dhoni is getting bigger with every match of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026). Fans were eagerly waiting the entire season to see their favorite icon MS Dhoni back in action, but they were disappointed.
Now, a fresh update has made the situation around the former Indian and Chennai Super Kings captain even more emotional as IPL 2026 nears the business end. CSK now have only two matches left in the ongoing tournament and their playoff chances look slim at this stage.
MS Dhoni fit but still not playing? Big update in IPL 2026 shocks CSK fans
It is being said that MS Dhoni was fit enough to play the last two matches against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Chennai on May 10 and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 15 in Lucknow. Notably, the five-time champions won the home game by 5 wickets but suffered a seven-wicket defeat 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 as he did not want to upset the team combination in the middle of the ongoing IPL 2025. That decision has now surprised many, especially because everyone expected him to return as soon as he was fit.
As claimed by renowned journalist Indranil Basu of Cric Blogger, Dhoni was fit for the last two matches against LSG, but he refused to play as he did not want to upset CSK’s team combination.
Update on MS Dhoni
Dhoni was fit for the last 2 matches against LSG in Chennai and Lucknow, but he decided not to play as he did not want to upset the team combination. [Indranil Basu from Cric Blogger] pic.twitter.com/P0ahFYagBR
– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) 17 May 2026
MS Dhoni ready for emotional Chepauk comeback?
Earlier, former CSK spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had revealed that Dhoni has been cleared to play for the last few matches. Now all the attention turns to CSK’s next IPL 2026 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 18 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
Since this is Chennai’s final home match in the ongoing IPL 2026 season, emotions are expected to be high inside the stadium, and it is being said that this could finally be the night when Dhoni returns to the iconic yellow jersey. Chepauk is expected to be packed with supporters hoping to see their beloved Thala take the field once again.
There is also a fear among the fans that IPL 2026 might become Dhoni’s last season. If he misses the SRH game and also misses CSK’s final league match against Gujarat Titans on May 21, he may announce his retirement from the league.
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CSK’s playoff dream in trouble due to Dhoni being sidelined!
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings have played all 12 matches this season without MS Dhoni. The great wicketkeeper-batsman is battling a calf strain injury which he suffered during his preparations for the ongoing tournament.
But Dhoni was seen regularly attending practice sessions and batting in the nets, but he did not play any matches. In his absence, Sanju Samson has taken over the responsibility of wicketkeeping for CSK this season.
They are currently seventh with 12 points from 12 games, and their playoff chances now depend on other results even if they win both the remaining games.