MS Dhoni has regained full fitness ahead of Chennai Super Kings’ clash against Gujarat Titans, but the former skipper is unlikely to return to the XI as he is wary of destabilizing the combination that has finally started to click.

Dhoni’s comeback has been the biggest talking point for Chennai Super Kings ahead of Sunday’s match in Chepauk, especially after the 44-year-old traveled with the team for overseas fixtures in Hyderabad and Mumbai. Although he did not feature in any of the matches, reports now suggest that the veteran is fully fit and available, with his delayed return now more of a tactical decision than a fitness concern.

According to a report in The Indian Express, Dhoni has recovered from the calf injury that kept him out of the initial phase IPL 2026 and has already passed his fitness test. He has resumed full training, including wicket-keeping drills and batting against bowlers in the nets, and did not suffer any discomfort during training on Saturday.

However, despite being fit enough to make a comeback, Dhoni is reportedly reluctant to come straight back into the team csk leaguenThe Dee are unwilling to disrupt a playing combination that has finally found its rhythm after a slow start to the season.

Dhoni be careful of losing balance

Chennai appears to have turned a corner, especially with their strong performances in recent games 103 run win over Mumbai Indians at Wankhede. After a shaky start to the campaign, CSK have started to field a more stable combination, and Dhoni is believed to have informed the team management that this may not be the right time to force a change.

At this stage of the season, with the momentum finally building and the race for the play-offs becoming tight, the former captain is understood to prioritize team balance over emotions.

Play-off push shaped Dhoni’s call

CSK are fifth on the points table with six points from seven matches when they take on Gujarat Titans on Sunday. Although their campaign remains fragile, the play-off equation is still within their control.

With seven matches left, Chennai remain in the race for a top-four finish, and the recent improvement in results has strengthened the belief that they can make a serious push.

That incident has shaped Dhoni’s thinking. While his return will undoubtedly improve the atmosphere around Chepauk, the veteran player is more focused on maintaining the balance of a team that has finally started to build momentum at a crucial point in the season.

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