Former India and CSK off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has given a big statement regarding the return of MS Dhoni in IPL 2026.
Dhoni has not played any of Chennai Super Kings’ six matches in the tournament as he is recovering from a calf muscle strain.
Ashwin recently spoke to journalist Vimal Kumar on his YouTube channel about MS Dhoni’s availability in the ongoing tournament.
CSK’s problem due to injury
MS Dhoni is not with the team due to his injury, but he is arguably the least of CSK’s problems. CSK lost Nathan Ellis to injury before the season, and was recently replaced by Spencer Johnson.
Dewald Brevis missed the start of the season and returned to the team. But, it seems he has suffered an injury again and has had to miss the recent matches.
Both Khaleel Ahmed and Ayush Mhatre have been completely ruled out of IPL 2026, and CSK are yet to sign replacements for any players. Injuries to such key players have created instability in CSK’s ranks and made life difficult on the field.
CSK have won only two of their six matches and are eighth in the points table. Dhoni’s absence has particularly unsettled CSK’s middle-order. CSK’s bowling has also faced consistency problems.
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Ashwin’s statement on MS Dhoni
Ravichandran Ashwin said that whatever signs he has seen have made him confident about MS Dhoni’s participation in the crucial match against Mumbai Indians on April 23.
“Very good news, I have never seen him [Dhoni] Keep wickets in the nets. This means that Dhoni will play and he will do wicketkeeping and Sanju [Samson] Will play as an outfielder”. Ashwin said
Ashwin further said that he feels that MS Dhoni will definitely return. Apart from the time they both spent playing together for India, Dhoni and Ashwin have also spent 9 IPL seasons together at CSK.
“He may 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 play.” Ashwin added.
Dhoni’s influence on CSK
Dhoni has won five titles in IPL for CSK as captain. His impact in the lower middle order at this stage of his career is crucial for CSK. CSK’s middle order is in poor form in this tournament and this may change with the arrival of Dhoni.
Once he returns, Dhoni will also take on the role of on-field mentor as part of the leadership group that CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad will look to rely on.
CSK is currently at eighth position in the points table. Their next three matches are against Mumbai Indians on 23 April, Gujarat Titans on 26 April and MI on 2 May.
