There are increasing signs that MS Dhoni He could eventually return in IPL 2026, despite previous reports of a longer absence. The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman is yet to feature this season and was recently seen wearing the pads during a match. chennai super kings Training sessions, shared on the franchise’s social media. May 1st, against CSK at home mumbai indiansDhoni was spotted in full training gear at the Chepauk Stadium where he reunited with his former India teammate and current MI captain Hardik Pandya. The meeting turned into a warm moment, with the two hugging each other during MI’s practice. Pandya was also seen handing the bat to Dhoni, seemingly seeking feedback, and the CSK legend had a brief chat before Pandya returned to his teammates. In another video shared by CSK, Pandya can be heard reacting to one of Dhoni’s shots by saying, “Mahi bhai love you darling, bye” while watching from behind. Dhoni missed the opening phase of the tournament with a calf strain but has been participating in training regularly, hinting that his return may not be far away. Both CSK and MI have found themselves in a tricky situation this season. Mumbai Indians are second from bottom after eight games, while CSK are in a slightly better position at sixth but are also under pressure. With multiple teams leading the table, there is no room for error on either side. Health issues continue for key figures, Dhoni and Rohit Sharma Both are recovering from injuries. At the same time, leadership Ruturaj Gaikwad With Hardik Pandya not quite settled yet, both teams are still looking for consistency. Frequent match mix changes don’t help either side. Mumbai have used 22 players this season while CSK have rotated 19 players, reflecting the uncertainty around their best XI. Their use of the impact player rule also caused problems, with tactical decisions often difficult to understand. As the iconic CSK-MI rivalry prepares for a new chapter, Dhoni’s potential return could add a much-needed spark to the game and CSK’s campaign.
