Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni’s fitness has been a mystery in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Dhoni has not played in CSK’s 11 games in the season so far. First, it was a knee injury and then a calf issue. However, as CSK approaches the stage where playoffs spots will be decided, Dhoni may make his season’s first appearance.
On May 12, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed to Cricbuzz that Dhoni’s flight to Lucknow for their next game on May 15 has been booked.
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Earlier, Dhoni has travelled with the squad, been part of training sessions but hasn’t played a single game. There was a buzz last month that Dhoni may play against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium on April 23 after going through wicketkeeping drills and batting nearly an hour in the nets. However, he wasn’t named in the playing eleven and even stayed in the hotel room instead of sitting in the dugout as he did not want the focus to be on him.
Who will MS Dhoni replace?
The mystery around Dhoni’s availability for LSG game still continues. There were also reports that he does not want to disturb the team combination. With Urvil Patel and Kartik Sharma proving their mettle and Prashant Veer also contributing with a cameo in the previous game, it will be interesting to see who sits out if Dhoni returns. The 44-year-old is also capable of scoring runs at a brisk pace, a role he has adopted in the previous few seasons by sending others out to bat ahead of him and waiting for the slog overs.
While the local talent has come good for the franchise, Dewald Brevis has not been at his best. If Dhoni replaces Brevis, it will give CSK an option to include Australian left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson.
Where are CSK in playoffs race?
After a win over LSG at home, CSK climbed to the fifth place, above Rajasthan Royals (RR) on the basis on net run rate (NRR). As the playoffs race intensifies, CSK need at least two wins in remaining three games to finish in last four.