IPL 2026: MS Dhoni reluctant to make comeback for CSK despite being fit due to THIS reason - Reports
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MS Dhoni has missed all games for CSK so far in IPL 2026.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are well and truly back in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 competition, after their record-breaking victory previously over arch rivals Mumbai Indians (MI), at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.
A second century was scored by Sanju Samson in CSK colors, to help his team post a total in excess of 200. However, the match was won by the bowlers, who left the MI batters clueless in their own backyard.
Impact player Akeal Hosein bowled a brilliant spell in the powerplay, to leave MI reeling and too much work to do in the end. As a result of this 103 run-margin win for CSK, they are back in the race for the playoffs.
They currently find themselves in the fifth spot, climbing one spot after Delhi Capitals’ loss to Punjab Kings earlier today.
CSK will play their eighth match of the season on April 26 (Sunday) against Gujarat Titans (GT), at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) in Chennai.
Why is MS Dhoni reluctant in making comeback for CSK in their IPL 2026 clash against Gujarat Titans?
Ahead of CSK’s highly important clash against Gujarat Titans, all eyes will be on former CSK and five-time IPL winning skipper MS Dhoni.
According to reports from Express Sports, MS Dhoni has regained full fitness but is reluctant to take the spot of a youngster and disturb the winning combination.
Dhoni, currently 44 years old, is yet to play a match this season. He was earlier ruled out of the first half of the tournament due to a calf strain injury he suffered during a pre-season practice session.
While reports suggest the CSK icon is now match-fit, his inclusion would likely mean that the management would have to once again bench Kartik Sharma. The 19-year-old was paid big bucks by CSK at the mini-auction, with the franchise securing his services for a massive INR 14.20 Crores.
While Sharma is yet to score an innings of substance in this IPL so far, he did show some spark during his brief stay at the crease against the Mumbai Indians (MI). However, should he be unable to find his grove or form in the tournament, then MS Dhoni could potentially return to the playing XI.
Why is MS Dhoni not returning for CSK despite being fit?
Dhoni is reportedly fully fit but has chosen not to return immediately to avoid disrupting the team’s winning combination and to give younger players continued opportunities.
Who will CSK face next in IPL 2026?
CSK will take on Gujarat Titans in their next match on April 26 in Chennai.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.