After three consecutive defeats in the ongoing IPL 2026, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have finally found their rhythm by winning back-to-back games. However, the Chennai Super Kings camp is set to face another headache after coming back to form, and thus they will look to fit MS Dhoni back into the eleven.
Actually, MS Dhoni is recovering from a calf injury and has already missed the first five matches of the ongoing IPL 2026. But now, the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman is close to full fitness and could be back in action against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Hyderabad on April 18.
Selection headache for CSK as MS Dhoni likely to return for SRH clash
Dhoni’s possible return is raising excitement, but at the same time, it is also creating a big selection headache for CSK. Well-known cricket expert and broadcaster, Harsha Bhogle believes that the problem is not whether Dhoni can play or not, but how he fits into the current team balance.
Also Read: MS Dhoni’s return confirmed for IPL 2026 vs SRH? The final decision has come…
Since the CSK icon is expected to bat at No. 7 and keep wickets, Harsha reckoned that Dhoni will occupy an important position in the playing XI, which means a bowler will have to make room for him, and this will impact his overall bowling attack.
MS Dhoni will have to play the role of power batsman: Harsha Bhogle
Nevertheless, Harsh strongly suggested that Dhoni should not be used for the short finishing role of only 5-10 balls when he comes at the expense of a bowler. The presenter has stressed that Dhoni needs to take more responsibility with the bat and play a role with proper impact rather than just playing a few balls.
Harsha Bhogle said on Cricbuzz: “Where does Dhoni fit in this team? He has to bat at No. 7, and he will be keeping wickets. That means he is playing a complete role. He is not an impact sub. He is playing a complete role. So, someone has to go out because in the top 6, you only get occasional overs from Shivam Dubey. So, when Dhoni comes in at No. 7, a bowler has to go out.”
how can do #CSK Will MS Dhoni fit in the playing eleven? 🤔@bhogaleharsh And Simon Doull discusses Cricbuzz Live #IPL2026 #CSKvKKR @GoogleIndia pic.twitter.com/Ti776UVG2d
– Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) 15 April 2026
Simon Doull predicts major bowling reshuffle to fit MS Dhoni in CSK XI
Meanwhile, former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull also admitted that someone has to make room for Dhoni, and he feels CSK can adjust their bowling combination to make room for him. The broadcaster believes he should go with Noor Ahmed, Akeal Hosein, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed and Jamie Overton, with Shivam Dubey as the sixth option.
Simon Doull said during the same discussion, “I don’t know. When you look at it, how will they fit him in? He bats at number 7 here, so Gurjapaneet Singh will have to make room. In that position, they will have to get Shivam Dubey over as the sixth bowler.”
“So, they play with 5 bowlers. So, one of them sits out from the batting point of view and comes in as a bowling sub. So, Dubey becomes the 6th bowler and maybe Ayush Mhatre. Maybe Sarfaraz Khan.”
Also read: Former CSK player criticizes Ruturaj Gaikwad for slow batting in IPL 2026 match
