MS Dhoni return not for IPL 2026? Ashwin's post sends CSK fans into panic mode

Former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has sent Chennai Super Kings fans into a frenzy with his latest post on X (formerly Twitter), seemingly suggesting that MS Dhoni’s comeback may not take place in their final home game of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday 18th.

He leaves it very vague in his post and leaves it up to the reader to interpret. He said: “It’s not happening today! In 2027? Maybe. I don’t think there will be any batting changes. Akeal Hosein?”

Fans reacted in many ways on social media. Some questioned if this was the last we would see of MS Dhoni in the IPL, others suggested that a winning combination should be preferred for their chances of making the playoffs. There is another school of thought that suggests Akeal Hosein should be the one to start giving CSK the best chance of winning as well.

WHY EVERYONE HERE ABOUT MS DHONI?

For very good reason, considering the pre-match chatter on social media, MS Dhoni’s comeback is the talk of the town. You could see that he was training even before the match.

But it’s not the first time they’ve seen him train. He had been training for some time and there were also visuals from broadcasters. But he never played this season.

Dhoni’s availability was limited due to a lingering calf strain. He recovered considerably, but his injury flared up just as he was preparing to return. Moreover, Chennai’s resurgence later in the season probably made the legendary keeper take it easy as he did not want to disrupt the winning combination.

CSK PLAYOFF HOPE?

Chennai have two matches left in the season and can get a maximum of 16 points. But they would also want both Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals to lose their remaining matches to ensure they have the best chance of making the playoffs.

Chennai play their last home match against Sunrisers Hyderabad and will conclude their league phase against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on May 21.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

May 18, 2026 1:44 PM IST