CSK Served Notice For Misleading Fans On MS Dhoni

Ruturaj Gaikwad and MS Dhoni (Source: AFP)

The mystery around MS Dhoni became one of the biggest talking points of IPL 2026. Fans waited throughout the season to see the legendary wicketkeeper return for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), but he did not play a single game in the cash-rich league.

MS Dhoni was initially ruled out for 2 weeks due to a calf strain. Later, reports suggested that he had recovered and could feature in a few matches for CSK in the league stage. 

However, just before CSK's final league game against Gujarat Titans, he reportedly suffered a thumb injury.

According to reports, MS Dhoni had returned to Ranchi and was expected to rejoin the squad only if CSK qualified for the playoffs. But CSK was eliminated after suffering an 89-run defeat against Gujarat Titans.

It is vital to note that this was the first time in the history of the IPL that Dhoni missed an entire season.

How did CSK perform without MS Dhoni?

Dhoni’s absence was clearly felt as the 'Yellow Army' struggled for consistency throughout the season and eventually failed to qualify for the playoffs for the third consecutive season. 

Under the captaincy of Ruturaj Gaikwad, the five-time champions managed with only six wins and 12 points from 14 matches.

Also Read: How Much Salary Will MS Dhoni Get Without Playing Even 1 Match For CSK In IPL 2026?

The franchise showed signs of recovery in the second half of the season, with opener Sanju Samson playing a crucial role. However, the late comeback was not enough to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Confusion around MS Dhoni’s injuries and availability

But in the CSK's camp, the main discussion was around MS Dhoni's fitness and availability. Several reports kept emerging around him throughout the season, and uncertainty kept increasing about his chances of playing. 

Recently, the former Indian player Krishnamachari Srikkanth has criticised the management and served verbal notice to CSK.

Krishnamachari Srikkanth served a verbal notice to CSK

Speaking on his YouTube show after CSK's final league match, Srikkanth questioned the repeated claims about Dhoni’s possible return.

Krishnamachari Srikkanth served a verbal notice to CSK by accusing the management, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, and coach Stephen Fleming of creating false hope among supporters.

"Before the season started, they said he has got a leg injury and that they are hoping to have him soon. Fleming also sang the same song, Ruturaj Gaikwad also sang the same: He might be ready for the next match."

"And then before the match, CSK will have a video of Dhoni training to show the fans and hint he is fit and he might play," Srikkanth said in his YouTube show after CSK's last IPL 2026 league game.

"Then they said, 'no, no. He is still recovering from the injury'. And then they said he got injured in the thigh. Stop this deception. You should make it clear. If he is not going to play the entire season, fair enough. Fans would have been mentally prepared had you made that clear," Srikkanth said.

He added that fans deserved clarity from the franchise instead of constant uncertainty.

Also Read: IPL 2026 Playoff Race: How Can RCB Drop Out Of Top 2 On Points Table?