Will MS Dhoni Finally Play in IPL 2026? CSK Camp Fuels Speculation; Tickets Booked For Lucknow

The buzz around MS Dhoni and his possible return to IPL 2026 has intensified after the Chennai Super Kings management reportedly booked his ticket to Lucknow ahead of the team's clash against Lucknow Super Giants on May 15.

Dhoni, who has not played a single game this season due to a calf injury, has remained largely absent from CSK's campaign. The former skipper has travelled with the squad only twice this year and has even missed multiple matches at Chennai's Chepauk Stadium, leaving fans anxious about whether they will get to see the CSK legend in action this season.

According to a Cricbuzz report, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed that the franchise has booked Dhoni's ticket on a commercial flight to Lucknow. The move has now sparked massive speculation over a possible comeback against LSG.

However, uncertainty still surrounds Dhoni's fitness. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming had earlier revealed that the 44-year-old suffered another setback during recovery after tweaking his calf again. Fleming admitted Dhoni was "pretty keen" to return but suggested the injury delayed his comeback plans further.

Meanwhile, concerns are also growing in the Mumbai Indians camp over skipper Hardik Pandya, who reportedly did not travel with the squad to Dharamsala for the upcoming match against Punjab Kings. Hardik is currently being assessed in Mumbai after suffering a back spasm that forced him to miss the last two matches.

There was also an update on Suryakumar Yadav, who has not travelled with the MI squad yet due to personal reasons after recently becoming a father. However, the star batter is expected to join the team before the Punjab Kings clash.

With the IPL 2026 playoff race heating up, fans are now eagerly waiting for clarity on Dhoni's comeback and Hardik's fitness ahead of crucial fixtures.