---
title: "WATCH: MS Dhoni heads back to Ranchi; may return if CSK qualify"
canonical: "https://readcricket.com/2026/05/21/watch-ms-dhoni-heads-back-to-ranchi-may-return-if-csk-qualify-cricket-news/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Varun Sarwate"
section: "Franchise Cricket"
published: "2026-05-21T10:43:17Z"
modified: "2026-05-21T15:41:50Z"
---

# WATCH: MS Dhoni heads back to Ranchi; may return if CSK qualify

- **MS Dhoni has returned to Ranchi after suffering a thumb injury during IPL 2026**
- **The injury has ruled Dhoni out of CSK’s crucial clash against the Gujarat Titans**
- **CSK batting coach Michael Hussey confirmed Dhoni could return if Chennai qualify for the playoffs**

* * *

**During MS Dhoni’s 2026 IPL campaign, injuries and setbacks have been the defining features, leaving him uncertain about his return.**

While the Chennai Super Kings prepare for a pivotal match against the Gujarat Titans on Thursday, MS Dhoni has returned home to Ranchi due to a thumb injury that has failed to heal.

The [IPL](https://www.iplt20.com/) 2026 is the first time Dhoni has missed a game, raising doubts about his future as CSK’s prospects of qualifying for the playoffs seem poor. He has been sidelined for the whole tournament due to a frustrating string of fitness issues, which have been exacerbated by the most recent setback.

> “I can confirm Dhoni is not here (Ahmedabad) with the team, but if we do happen to qualify, he’ll definitely join back up with the squad. He’s got a bit of a sore thumb. He’s recovering nicely, but he won’t be ready for this match. If we manage to get through to the playoffs, hopefully he’ll be alright,” Hussey said.

**Watch the video here:**

> MS DHONI HAS RETURNED TO RANCHI DUE TO THUMB INJURY. [pic.twitter.com/3Go9pdRbcJ](https://t.co/3Go9pdRbcJ)
>
> — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal\_vohra) [May 21, 2026](https://twitter.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/2057360043620917746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

**Read Here:** [‘Gayle’s record is in danger’: Irfan Pathan hails Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after Jaipur blitz](https://readcricket.com/2026/05/21/gayles-record-is-in-danger-irfan-pathan-hails-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-after-jaipur-blitz-cricket-news/)

## **MS Dhoni faces uncertain IPL future after recurring calf injury setback**

> One Last Push. One Clear Mindset 💪\
> \
> Coach Fleming speaks about the mindset to take up the Titans challenge 🦁[#WhistlePodu](https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#GTvCSK](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GTvCSK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/J7UH5M4R0j](https://t.co/J7UH5M4R0j)
>
> — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) [May 21, 2026](https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/2057358652403785911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

The main focus of the season for [CSK](https://readcricket.com/2026/05/18/ipl-2026-why-is-ms-dhoni-not-playing-against-srh-cricket-news/) fans has been speculation over Dhoni’s potential comeback. The question of whether the 44-year-old will eventually participate has been raised in every CSK game, especially in light of rising anticipation that IPL 2026 would be his last season as a player.

Due to a calf injury, [Dhoni](https://readcricket.com/2026/05/19/watch-ms-dhoni-takes-lap-of-honour-at-chepauk-csk-vs-srh-ipl-2026-cricket-news/) was first sidelined before the start of the competition. He will be out for at least the first part of the season as he underwent rehabilitation, CSK subsequently revealed.

Head coach Stephen Fleming disclosed that Dhoni had worsened the issue once more during a warm-up game, just when his recovery seemed to be getting better.

The medical team at CSK then took a cautious approach since they were concerned that if the injury worsened, there would be no prospect of a return this season.

**Also Read:** [Top 3 batters with the most 500+ seasons in the IPL](https://readcricket.com/2026/05/21/most-500-run-seasons-in-ipl-history-cricket-news/)

### **Chennai Super Kings fans gets emotional to watch MS Dhoni**

An injury to the thumb picked up ahead of CSK’s trip to [Lucknow Super Giants](https://readcricket.com/2026/04/24/lucknow-super-giants-youngest-franchise-waiting-for-ipl-glory-cricket-news/) served as the latest setback. The injury also prevented him from playing in Chennai’s final home game of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Because many fans thought it may have been Dhoni’s last game in Chennai colours, the Chepauk match had additional emotional importance. Rather, the veteran waited for his return while watching from the sidelines.

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