MS Dhoni has regained full fitness ahead of Chennai Super Kings’ clash against Gujarat Titans, but the former skipper is unlikely to rush back into the XI as he remains wary of unsettling a combination that has finally started to click.
Dhoni’s return has been one of the biggest talking points around Chennai Super Kings in the build-up to Sunday’s game in Chepauk, especially after the 44-year-old traveled with the team for away matches in Hyderabad and Mumbai. Although he did not feature in any of the matches, reports now suggest that the veteran is fully fit and available and his delayed return is now more of a tactical call than a fitness issue.
According to a report in The Indian Express, Dhoni has recovered from the calf injury that kept him out of the opening phase of IPL 2026 and has already undergone fitness tests. He resumed full practice, including batting practice and batting against pitchers in the nets, and showed no visible discomfort during Saturday’s practice.
However, despite being fit enough to make a comeback, Dhoni is reportedly reluctant to go straight back into the side. CSK doctord unwilling to disrupt a playing mix that has finally found a rhythm after a slow start to the season.
DHONI WARY BEFORE THE BALANCE BREAK
Chennai seem to have turned a corner in recent games, mainly with their assertiveness 103 run win over Mumbai Indians at Wankhede. After a stuttering start to the campaign, CSK have begun to settle on a more stable combination and Dhoni believes he has informed the team management that it may not be the right time to force a change.
At this stage of the season, with momentum finally building and the race for the play-offs tightening, the former captain is understood to favor team balance over sentiment.
PLAY-OFF PUSH SHAPES DHONI CALL
CSK head into Sunday’s clash against Gujarat Titans, who are fifth in the points table with six points from seven matches. While their campaign remains delicately poised, they are still firmly in control of the play-off equation.
With seven matches to play, Chennai remain in contention for a top-four finish and a recent improvement in results has only strengthened the belief that they can make a serious push.
This context shaped Dhoni’s thinking. While his return would no doubt lift spirits around Chepauk, the veteran seems more focused on maintaining the balance of a team that has finally started to pick up steam at a key point in the season.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
26 Apr 2026 03:01 IST
