Speculation around Dhoni’s return intensified after he was seen training (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings have bounced back strongly in IPL 2026 after a slow start, registering consecutive wins against Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. The latest victory lifted them to eighth place, signalling a turnaround in form.
However, the team has achieved this without their talisman MS Dhoni, who is yet to feature in the tournament so far.
Speculation around Dhoni’s return intensified after he was seen training in the nets ahead of CSK’s recent fixture. Reports suggest the veteran wicketkeeper-batter is close to regaining full fitness and could return for the upcoming match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18.
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His comeback would provide a significant boost to both the team and fans awaiting his presence on the field this season.
Despite Dhoni’s potential return, CSK face a key selection challenge. The team has begun to settle into a winning combination after early struggles, raising the question of whether bringing Dhoni back could disrupt the balance.
Known for prioritising team stability, Dhoni himself has often preferred not to alter a successful lineup unnecessarily.
One area where CSK have shown inconsistency is in finishing innings strongly. Shivam Dube has contributed but has not consistently delivered big finishes.
Dhoni’s track record as a finisher could address this gap. In previous IPL seasons, he has maintained impressive strike rates despite limited appearances, reinforcing his value in late-order roles.
If Dhoni is included as a specialist batter or wicketkeeper, CSK may need to adjust their current combination. One possible change could involve replacing Sarfaraz Khan, while another option could be tweaking the bowling lineup.
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The team currently fields multiple bowling options, including all-round contributions. Reducing a bowler to accommodate Dhoni would strengthen batting depth but could impact bowling flexibility.
Ultimately, CSK’s decision will depend on Dhoni’s fitness and the team’s assessment of balance ahead of the match. The management must weigh the benefits of his experience against the momentum of a settled XI.
