On the eve of the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) 2026 El Clasico clash, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowling coach Eric Simmons was unclear of whether MS Dhoni will play in the clash or not. Dhoni’s availability has been much talked about of late, especially as CSK find themselves struggling with four losses from six games. While the wicketkeeping practice and a long batting session point to Dhoni playing his first game of the season, Simmons opted not to make any announcement.
“MS will only play when he feels he is ready to go and the medical team clears him, so I am not going to make any announcement sitting here,” Simmons said at the pre-game press conference.
ALSO READ: BCCI punishes Nandre Burger for send-off to provoke aggressive reaction from Rishabh Pant
Dhoni has already missed CSK's six games due to calf injury and knee issues. After the previous game, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey had said that Dhoni is running and facing throwdown in the nets. It will be interesting to see whether he puts on the wicketkeeping gloves instead of Sanju Samson at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on April 23.
ALSO READ: Delight for Delhi Capitals as Mitchell Starc cleared to play in IPL 2026 starting this date
Meanwhile, Simmons did confirm one change in the lineup. As Khaleel Ahmed has been ruled out of the remainder of the IPL, Australian left-arm pacer will make his CSK debut against MI.
“Khaleel Ahmed & Anshul Kamboj have been really good for us. Spencer Johnson (Khaleel's replacement), will be in our starting XI tomorrow night,” he said.
Injured Nathan Ellis’ replacement, Johnson is coming back from an injury as well. His last appearance in competitive cricket came in IPL 2025. For Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he played against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). He had an unimpressive short stint with KKR, claiming just one wicket from four games.
No replacement for Khaleel, Mhatre so far
Khaleel suffered a quadriceps injury which has ruled him out of action for a long while. Also, Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the tournament as well due to a hamstring injury sustained during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The duo’s replacement is yet to be announced even though several players have appeared for trials.