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The MA Chidambaram Stadium could witness the return of veteran wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Ahead of the Super Kings’ final home match of the season, speculation has intensified among fans over Dhoni’s IPL future and possible retirement.
The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side will take on SRH at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday, May 18. CSK is sixth in the points table with 12 points from 12 matches. After the recent defeat against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), they will need to win their remaining two league matches to keep their playoff hopes alive.
MS Dhoni has a good chance of playing – Ravichandran Ashwin
Former Chennai Super Kings teammate Ravichandran Ashwin shared a positive update about MS Dhoni’s availability. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said that he has received information that Dhoni is fully fit to play in the home match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
“I feel there is a good chance of MS Dhoni playing against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Let’s wait and see how it turns out. As far as I have heard, he is ready to take the field for the last two to three matches,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
The 44-year-old player suffered a calf injury before the start of the tournament. Chennai Super Kings were initially hopeful that he would recover within two weeks, but even after seven weeks he has not been included in the match day squad. Although he returned to training early, he did not travel with the team to away matches.
To avoid unnecessary attention, the wicketkeeper remained away from the team even during home games. However, the management may consider bringing in the veteran in the playing eleven in place of Prashant Veer, who has struggled with the bat in recent matches.
Stephen Fleming and Michael Hussey provide update on MS Dhoni’s fitness
At the start of the season, head coach Stephen Fleming revealed that MS Dhoni suffered a setback during his recovery, delaying his return beyond the original two-week timeline announced by the franchise.
Batting coach Michael Hussey also spoke about Dhoni’s condition after the recent training session. Hussey admitted that concerns still remained regarding his movement during match conditions and running between the wickets.
Dhoni came close to a comeback when Chennai Super Kings booked him for a match against Lucknow Super Giants, but ultimately decided not to join the team. Before the Sunrisers Hyderabad match, he trained normally and spent a lot of time batting in the nets.
Fast bowler Spencer Johnson attended the pre-match press conference but avoided answering direct questions about Dhoni’s availability. Although local journalists spotted Dhoni training with the team, his presence in the practice sessions has not confirmed his participation in this season’s matches.
Will MS Dhoni retire after IPL 2026?
The franchise and people close to MS Dhoni have not given any clear update about his retirement plans. Dhoni has always kept major career decisions private, leaving fans unsure whether he will continue playing after this season or not.
The veteran wicketkeeper had earlier expressed his desire to finish his career in front of the Chennai Super Kings fans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Since this is Chennai Super Kings’ last home match in the league stage, many believe that this could be their last match in Chepauk.
It is expected that the franchise will confirm Dhoni’s availability only after the team reaches the stadium on the match day. This could be the last chance for home fans to see them play at the venue.
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