IPL 2026: 'Why take the risk now?' - R Ashwin on MS Dhoni's future in IPL 2026

Former Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni is yet to feature in IPL 2026. The talismanic wicketkeeper-batter has been sidelined so far due to a calf issue. Over the last few days, Dhoni has been seen practising with the Super Kings team in the nets, but has yet to make an appearance for the team. 

Former India and Chennai Super Kings off-spinner R Ashwin believes that if the team are in the hunt for a playoff spot, they will be prompted not to draft the former skipper into the Playing XI to avoid disrupting the team combination.

"If CSK gets out of the tournament, then MS Dhoni might play. CSK are still in the tournament, so why will they take the risk now? I still feel that CSK have a chance to qualify for the playoffs. But yeah, it is difficult. The way CSK have played in the last five matches, it has given them a little confidence. CSK's bowling is firing; if their batting fires, they can put together three wins on the bounce," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Unconfirmed reports on social media coming in before their loss to the Gujarat Titans stated that Dhoni was purposely avoiding his return to the playing XI in order not to disrupt the playing combination. Super Kings’ coaches have confirmed that Dhoni will return as a wicketkeeper and not just an impact player.

The Super Kings were beaten by the Gujarat Titans on Sunday, April 26, courtesy a brilliant bowling performance with the new ball from Kagiso Rabada and a masterful half-century from Sai Sudharsan.

With six points from eight games, CSK sit in a precarious position, needing to accumulate wins to qualify for the playoffs. They have looked largely improved after a slow start to the season, but will need to tighten up in terms of results.

They will host arch-rivals Mumbai Indians on May 2 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in their next match.