Dhoni to play IPL CSK vs MI clash today? Here's a big update on former skipper's return

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has dismissed the possibility of MS Dhoni returning for Chennai Super Kings’ marquee IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium this Saturday.

Dhoni is yet to feature this season as he continues to recover from a calf injury, despite growing anticipation among fans for his comeback in one of the league’s biggest rivalries.

Earlier, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey had hinted that Dhoni was “pretty close” to making a return, fueling excitement among supporters.


What Ashwin said about Dhoni's return
Ashwin believes the former India captain is unlikely to play. He also suggested that Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma, who is dealing with a hamstring injury, could remain sidelined for the contest.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said, “I don’t know about Rohit Sharma, but Dhoni won’t play 100 percent, I don’t think so. He can surprise as well because he’s that kind of guy, but I don’t think Dhoni will play.”

He further added, “I think Rohit will also not play, but it is a good chance for Suryakumar Yadav to come back in form because he’ll not get a better wicket for batting.” Ashwin believes the Chepauk pitch could be excellent for batting, giving struggling batters like Suryakumar a strong chance to regain confidence.

CSK vs MI: Predicted Playing XIs

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), Sarfaraz Khan/Urvil Patel, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Jamie Overton, Akeal Hosein, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary/Ramakrishna Ghosh, Gurjapneet Singh

Impact Player: Noor Ahmad

Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Naman Dhir, Hardik Pandya (capt), Tilak Varma, Robin Minz, Shardul Thakur/Krish Bhagat, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, AM Ghazanfar,

Impact Player: Ashwani Kumar

MI vs CSK today

MI and CSK IPL 2026 campaigns are hanging by a thread as they are face a must-win showdown here on Saturday, with both sides desperate to reverse their inconsistent form and stay afloat in the playoff race.

The two most successful franchises in IPL history have endured a forgettable campaign so far, with neither side able to build sustained momentum. While CSK have found conditions at the MA Chidambaram Stadium more familiar, their performances have lacked the clinical edge that has defined them over the years.

Their batting has been inconsistent, particularly in the middle overs, while the bowling unit, traditionally their strength at home, has struggled to close out games under pressure.

Mumbai Indians, too, have blown hot and cold this season. Despite flashes of brilliance from their top order, the five-time champions have been let down by a fragile middle order and an underwhelming bowling attack that has failed to defend totals or contain opposition batters at crucial junctures.

With the league entering a decisive phase, this contest assumes added significance as both teams look to turn their fortunes. CSK will hope their spinners can exploit the slow Chepauk surface, while MI will bank on their power hitters to counter the spin threat. Given their current form, neither side starts as a clear favourite, making this clash a battle of survival rather than dominance in what has traditionally been the IPL's marquee rivalry.

Placed sixth with three wins from eight matches, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led CSK are facing playoff uncertainty due to inconsistency, a negative net run rate, and the prolonged absence of MS Dhoni. Dhoni has been sidelined with a calf strain injury sustained during pre-season training, and despite initial hopes of a faster return, he has missed the first half of the tournament.