MS Dhoni’s continued absence from the playing XI of Chennai Super Kings during the IPL 2026 has become one of the biggest talking points of the season. CSK have already played 13 matches but the legendary former captain has not appeared in a single game, not even as an Impact Substitute.
Although MS Dhoni has reportedly been dealing with multiple injuries this season, several reports suggest that he does not want to disturb the current team combination. Despite missing most away matches, Dhoni was present at Chepauk on Monday when CSK hosted Sunrisers Hyderabad. During the innings break, he briefly came onto the field for a team photograph and later joined the players for a lap of honour after the match, greeting Chennai fans at the stadium.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shared his thoughts on the situation and admitted that something felt different during Dhoni’s appearance at Chepauk. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said he has always believed Dhoni deeply loves CSK but during the final lap around the stadium, he did not notice the love for CSK or emotional connection on Dhoni’s face.
Ashwin also questioned why Dhoni has stayed away from the ground on several match days despite being seen practising regularly in the nets. According to him, Dhoni has spent years being part of the CSK dressing room and even if he was not playing, his presence around the team could still have been valuable.
The former spinner also wondered whether Dhoni intentionally avoided attending games because he feared all the attention from fans and media would shift towards him and distract the team. However, Ashwin added that such attention is a natural part of the game and fans also deserve the chance to experience seeing a legend like Dhoni at the stadium.
Meanwhile, fresh media reports have added more drama to the situation by claiming that MS Dhoni could part ways with CSK after the IPL 2026. The reports suggest there may be differences between Dhoni and the franchise management, along with a long-term strategy focused on moving on from senior players, which may have affected the relationship between the two sides.
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