Former India and Chennai Super Kings off-spinner R Ashwin has finally given his verdict on the availability of former captain MS Dhoni in IPL 2026.
MS Dhoni is not available for CSK in IPL 2026 as he is suffering from a calf muscle strain. In his absence, CSK struggled for balance initially but seemed to have found form at the right time.
On Tuesday, CSK strengthened their chances of qualifying for the IPL 2026 playoffs by defeating Delhi Capitals.
key points
- Ravichandran Ashwin feels that MS Dhoni is unlikely to play for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026.
- Dhoni has not been able to play the entire season so far due to a calf strain injury.
- Ashwin said that CSK might not want to make changes to their current playing combination while they are still in the race for the playoffs.
- The former India spinner said that if CSK is eliminated then a farewell match for Dhoni in Chennai could still be possible.
- Chennai Super Kings have now won three of their last four matches in IPL 2026.
CSK wins over DC
In Delhi, on a slow surface almost tailor-made for spin, CSK bowlers caused early damage to a fragile-looking Delhi line-up. The fast bowlers supported CSK’s spinners and DC’s score was 69/5 in the eleventh over.
Impact sub Sameer Rizvi fought back and scored an unbeaten 40, but DC could only manage 156/7 in 20 overs after electing to bat first on their home ground.
CSK’s reply also had a slow start. Ruturaj Gaikwad was out after a slow start, while Sanju Samson tried his best to stay at the crease and withstand the pressure.
Urvil Patel played a cameo and Karthik Sharma’s unbeaten 41 provided Samson with a fine second innings to cap off his brilliant performance. Samson wasted his time initially, but chose his moments to attack with precision.
Samson was particularly tough on Kuldeep Yadav during his Player of the Match innings of 87 not out.
CSK have now won three of their last four matches.
“MS Dhoni is unlikely to play now” – R Ashwin
R Ashwin was talking to journalist Vimal Kumar on his YouTube channel. The two discussed CSK’s mid-season resurgence and the topic eventually came to MS Dhoni’s availability.
Kumar asked Ashwin if he could see MS Dhoni playing again this season, and the spinner replied in the negative.
“The way things are going right now, I don’t think so,” he said. Ashwin was also asked whether whatever is happening is the best way for Dhoni to gradually wean himself out, but he decided not to get involved.
He further added, “I don’t know about all that. I can’t talk about any other person. How can I say that this is the best way for her to phase herself out? It’s her choice; how can I say anything? It’s not fair for me to say that.”
“It looks impossible now, because CSK still have a chance [to qualify for the playoffs]. If now they have to change their combination then it becomes very difficult. so i guess there is a possibility [of MS Dhoni playing] Are very thin. If they lose 2 of their next three matches, they [Dhoni] “We may get a farewell match in Chennai. This is a possibility, I will not say no to it.”
Also Read: CSK Qualification Scenario IPL 2026: Can CSK still reach the playoffs after a win against DC?
CSK’s next match
Chennai Super Kings are currently placed sixth in the points table with 5 wins and 5 losses in 10 matches. They’re not out of the playoff race, but they’re not in either.
Not just the next one, but CSK’s next two matches are against bottom-placed Lucknow Supergiants. First both the teams will face each other on 10th May in Chennai and then on 15th May in Lucknow.
Before this double header, LSG will face RCB on May 7 in Lucknow.