At a glance:
- Ravichandran Ashwin hinted that MS Dhoni could return for CSK’s crucial IPL 2026 clash against SRH.
- Dhoni has missed all 12 matches this season due to a calf injury suffered during preseason training.
- Ravi Ashwin believes Dhoni’s power-hitting and finishing skills could strengthen Chennai’s struggling lower order.
Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has hinted that the legendary wicketkeeper-batter may finally make his eagerly awaited return in Chennai Super Kings’ crucial match against SunRisers Hyderabad on Monday, adding to the interesting mystery surrounding MS Dhoni’s total absence from the current Indian Premier League season.
Due to a calf injury he received during preseason training, Dhoni has missed all 12 of Chennai’s games this season. On Friday night, he once again left supporters devastated. The 44-year-old ultimately remained in Chennai as CSK suffered a devastating seven-wicket loss to Lucknow Super Giants, despite travel plans being made for him to join the team in Lucknow.
Ashwin, however, offered a reassuring assessment of Dhoni’s health on the YouTube channel, suggesting that a return to the playing XI at Chepauk on Monday is firmly in the cards.
“Even now, if we talk about a quality pace hitter, I think it’s him,” Ashwin said, underscoring Dhoni’s enduring value to a middle order that has occasionally lacked late-innings impetus. Let’s see. I have a feeling that against SunRisers Hyderabad, there is a good chance of him playing. Let’s wait and see how it goes,” he said.
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Ravi Ashwin hints at MS Dhoni comeback for CSK
It remains to be seen if the former captain can provide a happy ending to an otherwise disappointing season, but Ashwin says the medical clearance is on the horizon.
“As far as I have heard, he has been ready to take the field for the last two-three games,” Ashwin said.
Ravichandran Ashwin supports CSK management
Ashwin defended the Chennai team management from the inevitable scrutiny that comes with the prolonged rehabilitation of a high-profile athlete. Coach Stephen Fleming and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad could have handled the situation differently, he said, but modern sports science is complex.
“I think the more you cut down on training, the chances of getting injured increases. Some, in a bid to avoid injuries, they look at hopping from match to match—that’s wrong. But this is another department; it’s physiotherapy and sports science. I don’t think the coach and the captain can be blamed. They can’t do anything,” Ashwin explained.
Chennai has had to deal with a very difficult campaign without Dhoni, depending on Sanju Samson behind the stumps and attempting to put together an effective lower order. Dhoni’s return as a finisher and field strategist might prove to be a critical tactical enhancement for the remaining two league games, as inexperienced Dewald Brevis struggles to deliver the required drive in the late overs.
Ashwin commended the team’s tenacity in maintaining their championship defense despite the loss in Lucknow, which puts CSK in danger spot as they are in sixth place in the standings with 12 points and a poor Net Run Rate of +0.027.
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