MS Dhoni IPL 2026 Return Update Revealed As CSK Star Nurses Injury

MS Dhoni’s IPL 2026 return remains uncertain as Subramaniam Badrinath reveals he has resumed batting but is still under assessment.

MS Dhoni continues to remain absent from the 2026 Indian Premier League, with uncertainty still surrounding his comeback for Chennai Super Kings. Former CSK batter Subramaniam Badrinath has shared that even the team management is unsure about when the veteran wicketkeeper will return to action.

Dhoni, who is currently dealing with a calf injury, had already been ruled out for the first two weeks of IPL 2026. Despite that period now passing, there is still no confirmed timeline for his comeback, leaving fans and experts speculating about his availability for upcoming matches.

Badrinath Shares Key Insights on Dhoni’s Fitness

Providing an update on Dhoni’s situation, Badrinath revealed that the former India captain has resumed light training but is being monitored closely. He emphasized that the decision regarding Dhoni’s return will depend entirely on his day-to-day fitness progress.

“It’s a million-dollar question on whether MS Dhoni will return against KKR. He has started batting, and the team management themselves aren’t sure about his return, which Sridharan Sriram told me. He is being assessed day by day on his likely return. Dhoni is probably not coming to the ground to ensure the attention doesn’t fall on him,” Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.

Interestingly, Dhoni has deliberately stayed away from the spotlight and has not been traveling with the squad, reportedly to avoid shifting focus away from the team during the tournament.

CSK’s Mixed Campaign and Transition Phase

Under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK endured a difficult start to their IPL 2026 campaign, losing their first three matches. However, they bounced back strongly with a 23-run win over Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

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With Dhoni nearing the latter stages of his career, questions are also being raised about whether this could be his final IPL season. The franchise appears to be preparing for the future, having brought in Sanju Samson as a long-term wicketkeeping option. Samson recently justified that decision with a stunning unbeaten 115 that powered CSK to their first win of the season.

CSK’s next challenge will be against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 14, where all eyes will once again be on whether Dhoni makes his much-awaited return.