MS Dhoni Travels With CSK for Chennai Match, But Thumb Injury Clouds Playing Chances

Speculation surrounding the return of veteran cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni has intensified ahead of Chennai Super Kings’ final home league match of IPL 2026 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday. While reports suggest that Dhoni is expected to travel with the squad to the venue, uncertainty remains over whether the 44-year-old will feature in the playing XI. The development comes at a crucial stage of the season with CSK still in contention for a playoff spot.

Dhoni has not played a single match in IPL 2026 so far after suffering a calf strain before the start of the campaign. The injury reportedly kept him out during the initial phase of the tournament, while subsequent reports claimed that the former India captain suffered a recurrence during recovery. There were also suggestions that Dhoni chose not to alter the existing team combination despite regaining fitness. However, fresh concerns have now emerged regarding a thumb injury allegedly sustained during a training session before CSK’s match against Lucknow Super Giants on May 15.

According to reports, the latest thumb injury has further reduced the chances of Dhoni returning to competitive action immediately. Despite this, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter is expected to be present with the team during the high-profile encounter at Chepauk, where anticipation among fans continues to build. The uncertainty around his availability has also fuelled speculation about whether Monday’s fixture could potentially mark his final appearance with the franchise in Chennai, although no official statement has been made by either the player or the franchise.

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Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who has also represented CSK, weighed in on the discussion through his YouTube channel and hinted that Dhoni could still make an appearance in some capacity. Ashwin noted that several members of the commentary team were expected to be present at the stadium and suggested that Dhoni might at least turn up for the game. He also speculated that the CSK management could consider using Dhoni as an Impact Player if required during the match, particularly while chasing a target.

The Chennai Super Kings side, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, currently sits sixth on the IPL 2026 points table with 12 points and faces a must-win situation in its remaining league-stage matches. CSK suffered a seven-wicket defeat against Lucknow Super Giants in their previous outing but remains mathematically alive in the race for the playoffs. The franchise had endured a difficult start to the season with three consecutive defeats before reviving its campaign with a series of improved performances.

With only two league matches remaining, the focus now remains firmly on whether Dhoni will finally make his much-awaited return to the field. Fans are expected to turn up in large numbers at Chepauk amid continuing speculation over the former India captain’s future in the IPL. Even if he does not play, Dhoni’s presence alongside the squad is likely to generate significant attention as CSK attempts to keep its playoff hopes alive in front of its home crowd.

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