The wait for MS Dhoni’s return to action in the ongoing IPL 2026 is becoming more dramatic with every match. Despite being part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad this season, MS Dhoni has not played a single game so far, leaving millions of fans disappointed.
Rumors around the legendary wicketkeeper-batter’s future have now exploded across social media, with many speculating about a possible retirement announcement later this month. At the same time, fresh updates from inside the CSK camp have given fans hope that Dhoni could still play.
MS Dhoni’s IPL 2026 return mystery deepens
MS Dhoni, who was retained as an uncapped player for ₹4 crore, suffered a calf injury during the team’s pre-season training camp in March. Since then, Dhoni has remained out of action and has missed all 10 matches played by Chennai Super Kings this season.
The situation became even more tense when the former Indian captain did not travel with the CSK squad for their recent clash against the Delhi Capitals on May 5, which intensified doubts over his recovery. Even though the CSK coaching staff has repeatedly maintained that Dhoni is retaining his fitness slowly, no official comeback date has been revealed yet.
Reports suggest that Dhoni returned to batting practice at the MA Chidambaram Stadium to regain full fitness. It is also being said that the CSK icon is being extremely careful before making his return. He does not want to return to the playing XI unless he feels completely fit and ready.
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CSK camp optimistic as MS Dhoni intensifies training sessions
Meanwhile, a fresh report from Revsportz has given a big hope to CSK fans. A senior member inside the Chennai Super Kings management is highly optimistic that Dhoni will play at some stage this season.
He claimed that the 44-year-old has been training intensely, and he is now very close to achieving full match fitness.
The report read, “CSK senior management is very hopeful that MS Dhoni will play this season. He is training hard and is batting for long hours as well. He is very close to full fitness. They are very positive.”
🚨 BREAKING | CSK senior management is very hopeful that MS Dhoni will play this season. He is training hard and is batting for long hours as well. He is very close to full fitness. They are very positive. pic.twitter.com/VU0rWqAQRv
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) May 7, 2026
Sanju Samson steps up in MS Dhoni’s absence
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings are slowly bringing their campaign back on track in IPL 2026. After a tough start to the season, CSK defeated Delhi Capitals by 8 wickets and kept themselves alive in the playoff race. It was Chennai’s fifth win in 10 matches, and the team now sits sixth on the points table.
Sanju Samson has now become the main reason behind Chennai’s comeback this season. He has already scored 402 runs in IPL 2026, including two centuries, becoming the team’s most dependable batter in difficult situations.
Irfan Pathan makes a massive Dhoni comparison for Sanju Samson
After the match, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan said that Sanju is doing the kind of work Dhoni used to do for CSK over the years. He explained that Sanju’s influence is not only visible with the bat but also in the way he carries himself around the team and helps players during matches.
Pathan said, “Sanju Samson’s contribution in the Chennai dressing room has been great. We have seen MS Dhoni contribute in every manner, whether it was helping the captain or sharing his experience in the dressing room. Sanju is playing the same role.”
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