Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has stated that MS Dhoni may only return to play for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) if the team is eliminated from the IPL 2026 playoffs. Dhoni has been absent from the tournament due to a calf strain, which has kept him from participating in any matches. Despite traveling with the team, he has not been included in the playing XI or as an impact substitute. Reports indicate that he has recovered from his injury but prefers not to disrupt the current team dynamics. CSK is currently sixth in the points table with six points and a net run-rate of -0.121 after a recent loss to the Gujarat Titans (GT). Ashwin remains hopeful, stating that CSK can still qualify for the playoffs if they can secure wins in their upcoming matches, particularly against the Mumbai Indians (MI) on May 2. He emphasized that winning four out of their last six matches is achievable, especially with players like Ruturaj Gaikwad returning to form.