The enigma behind MS Dhoni’s absence in the current season of the Indian Premier League 2026 is further intensified as cricket fans hold out hope for the return of the iconic skipper for Chennai Super Kings.
As Chennai Super Kings comes close to concluding their league matches in IPL 2026, recent updates indicate that MS Dhoni was indeed physically capable of taking part in the team’s last two games but decided against returning to the playing XI.
The development will come as heartbreak for fans of Chennai Super Kings, considering the mounting speculation about the possibility of Dhoni retiring from the tournament.
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MS Dhoni Was Reportedly Fit for Last Two CSK Matches
However, as per the reports, MS Dhoni was fit and well enough ahead of the matches between Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants scheduled for May 10 in Chennai and May 15 in Lucknow.
While Chennai Super Kings emerged victorious in the home game by winning by five wickets, they could only manage a loss by seven wickets in the away game. However, despite being medically fit, Dhoni opted not to make a comeback to the match.
According to journalist Indraneil Basu, writing for Cric Blogger, Dhoni avoided playing these matches on purpose as he did not want to mess with the existing team dynamics at such an important time in the IPL 2026.
MS Dhoni Could Make Emotional Return at Chepauk
All the attention is now focused on the upcoming match between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad which will be played on 18th May at the legendary MA Chidambaram Stadium.
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This match has tremendous sentimental importance since it is going to be the last match played by CSK in their own backyard this season. People believe that Chepauk will be jam-packed since there is a strong hope of seeing MS Dhoni donning the much-loved yellow jersey once again.
Previously, former CSK bowler Ravi Ashwin had also informed everyone that Dhoni was cleared to participate in the last few matches of the current season. There is immense hope of seeing Dhoni back at Chepauk since there have been talks about IPL 2026 being his last season as a cricketer.
Retirement Speculation Around MS Dhoni Grows Stronger
Speculations regarding MS Dhoni retiring from the IPL are rising and if he fails to play both the SRH game and the last league stage game between CSK and Gujarat Titans on May 21, then it will be taken as confirmation for sure.
The fans badly want to see one last appearance of their favorite “Thala” who has established himself as an iconic player in the history of the IPL.
Chennai Super Kings Struggle Without MS Dhoni
CSK have not featured in any of the 12 games of this season owing to the calf injury that the captain sustained before the start of IPL 2026.
Though the cricketer has been present at training camps, he continues to be inactive throughout the competition. Without him, Sanju Samson takes care of the wicket-keeping responsibility in CSK this season.
With only two matches left for them to play, Chennai Super Kings find themselves in the seventh position on the points table with 12 points. It is now going to be tough for them to qualify for the playoffs despite winning both the games.
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