What was supposed to be a quiet day of training has suddenly become the hottest topic of discussion in the ongoing IPL 2026. Will the return be sooner than expected, or is caution the word of the day? This is the question surrounding MS Dhoni at the moment. Just a couple of days after being ruled out of the team due to a calf strain, the return of the seasoned cricketer to the nets has sparked a lot of interest. However, it is a fact that a lot of times, what we see is not necessarily what we get.
The buzz surrounding this topic is understandable, but at the same time, there are a lot of mixed signals coming out of this. While fans of the Chennai Super Kings would love to see Dhoni back on the field, there are a lot of indications coming out of the team suggesting the opposite.
Presence at the nets
Dhoni worked on his batting in the nets. He was seen playing controlled shots as well as some big hits. The emphasis was not on big hits but on timing.
But there was an important thing that was noticeable. He was not seen working on his wicketkeeping. This is important because it indicates that he is not yet ready for the big stage. He was seen working hard to get back into form.
CSK’s uncertainty without Dhoni
Meanwhile, CSK is adapting. Sanju Samson has taken up the responsibility of wicketkeeping in practice. The team is slowly rebuilding its core.
This change was not unexpected. Over the past few years, Dhoni’s involvement has been limited. He is batting lower down the order and playing short, impactful innings. His involvement has already been limited with the introduction of the Impact Player rule.
Lack of Dhoni’s availability
Now, however, the million-dollar question remains unanswered. Will Dhoni play against Punjab Kings?
At this juncture, however, it seems uncertain. The lack of full training seems to indicate that Dhoni may not play. The team is unlikely to risk a setback in the early stages of the season. Instead, they may choose to wait until he is fully fit.
It is also likely to come down to a decision in the eleventh hour. His return to training is certainly a positive sign for Dhoni. However, there are also signs that indicate he may have to wait longer. His comeback story is still to be completed.
