Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set for a major boost, with MS Dhoni’s return to the playing XI looking increasingly likely. According to a report in The Times of India, the franchise is hopeful of having the veteran wicketkeeper-batter back in action sometime next week, which would be a huge lift for a side that is building momentum at the right time.
The report adds that Dhoni’s recovery from injury is moving in the right direction, placing him in contention for either the April 23 clash against the Mumbai Indians in Mumbai or the April 26 home game against the Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Dhoni has been sidelined since picking up a calf injury during a pre-tournament training session, an issue that forced him to miss the opening phase of IPL 2026.
Since then, he has been seen training regularly and spending valuable time in the nets, suggesting that a comeback is now within reach. CSK’s next assignment is against Sunrisers Hyderabad this weekend, but the management is understood to be taking a cautious approach.
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The priority, at this stage, is to ensure Dhoni regains full fitness before returning to competitive cricket. With the veteran now 44, there is no desire to rush him back too soon.
🚨 MS DHONI SET FOR A RETURN 🚨
MS Dhoni is all set to make his much-awaited comeback in IPL 2026, with his first game likely to be against Gujarat Titans in Chennai on April 26th.
The excitement among fans is already at its peak as the iconic captain prepares to step back onto… pic.twitter.com/f43hwup3Se
— indianTeamCric (@Teamindiacrick) April 17, 2026
Behind the stumps, CSK have been sharing wicketkeeping duties between Sanju Samson and Karthik Sharma, which gives the team room to ease Dhoni back as an Impact Player if needed. That may make the transition smoother, but it also leaves Stephen Fleming and Ruturaj Gaikwad with a selection puzzle.
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The debate was simpler a week ago, when CSK were languishing near the bottom of the table. Now, with back-to-back wins over Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals, the mood has changed. The batting and bowling units are finally working in sync, and the team looks far more balanced.
That leaves one big question: does Dhoni walk back into a winning combination, or does CSK stick with the current rhythm? For now, that call may be the toughest one in Chennai.
