MS Dhoni Opts Out of Selection Despite Fitness to Maintain CSK Team Balance in IPL 2026 | Reports

MS Dhoni reportedly stayed out of selection from CSK team despite being fit.

Former India and Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni is understood to have made himself unavailable for selection in IPL 2026 despite regaining full fitness, in a bid to maintain the team’s balance, according to a report by The Indian Express.

After missing the initial two weeks of the tournament due to a calf injury, Dhoni has been undergoing rehabilitation and even travelled with the squad for away fixtures in Hyderabad and Mumbai. Although he cleared a fitness test, the franchise maintained that he was still in recovery and did not include him in the playing XI.

In Dhoni’s absence, Sanju Samson has taken over wicketkeeping duties for the side.

“He (Dhoni) is progressing well. He is on the road to recovery and doing everything that is being asked of him,” head coach Stephen Fleming said during a pre-match press conference.

However, the report suggests that Dhoni had already attained full match fitness but chose not to replace a youngster in the XI, prioritising team stability over his return in the last two matches.

Chennai Super Kings have recovered well after a slow start to the season and head into their upcoming clash against Gujarat Titans with strong momentum, following a dominant 103-run win over Mumbai Indians.

Currently placed fifth in the standings, CSK remain firmly in the playoff race. With five wins needed from their remaining seven matches, the team is well-positioned to break into the top four, aided by a healthy net run rate.

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At a crucial juncture in the tournament, Dhoni has reportedly advised the team management against making changes to the current combination, which has started delivering consistent results.

The veteran was expected to feature in the match at Wankhede Stadium after a full training session, but once again stayed out of the XI, with Kartik Sharma retaining his place in the middle order.