India, May 6 -- MS Dhoni's absence from IPL 2026 continues to draw attention, with the veteran yet to feature this season as he works his way back from a knee injury. Initially ruled out of the opening phase, his return has been pushed back further after the issue flared up again during training. Since then, there has been constant speculation about his comeback, with every Chennai Super Kings match raising fresh questions about whether he will return to the XI.

CSK, meanwhile, have steadied their campaign in recent outings and kept themselves in the playoff race. With four league matches remaining, they are still in with a chance if they manage to win at least three. Dhoni has been with the squad since March and has taken part in practi...