MS Dhoni in IPL 2026 [Source: screengrab]MS Dhoni got emotional after the CSK franchise played its final match of the IPL 2026 season at their home ground, the iconic Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. While several fans and experts expected Dhoni to make his return to the playing XI for the match against the SRH, the cricketer was once again excluded from the team owing to his fitness concerns. It is worth noting that Dhoni is yet to play a single match for the CSK franchise this IPL 2026 season. Prior to the launch of the tournament, the ageing veteran was initially ruled out of action for the first two weeks over his calf strain. MS Dhoni hugs Suresh Raina, waves goodbye to Chepauk crowd MS Dhoni, a veteran of nearly 300 T20 games for the CSK, might well have made his final appearance at the iconic Chepauk Stadium in Chennai as a professional cricketer. Also Read- Watch - MS Dhoni Takes Field For First Time In IPL 2026While the 44-year-old has made no official announcement regarding any retirement, his expressions after CSK’s final home game of the IPL 2026 season indicated that the cricketer might not return to grace his team’s yellow jersey next year.Mufaddal Vohra @mufaddal_vohra Emotional MS Dhoni at the Chepauk. May 19, 2026, 12:19 AM In an emotional state, he waved goodbye to the crowd at the Chepauk Stadium, a venue that has remained his IPL home ground for a major part of his near two-decade-long IPL career. MS Dhoni also hugged ex-India and longtime CSK teammate Suresh Raina.Mufaddal Vohra @mufaddal_vohra MS Dhoni saying goodbye to the Chepauk crowd. May 19, 2026, 12:13 AM Mufaddal Vohra @mufaddal_vohra MS DHONI HUGGING SURESH RAINA. 🥹❤️ May 19, 2026, 12:14 AM MS Dhoni’s IPL career at a glanceA veteran of 278 IPL games, including 248 for the CSK, MS Dhoni has aggregated 5,439 runs in 242 IPL innings at a muscular middle-order average of 38.30 and with a strike rate of 137.45. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter also smeared 24 half-centuries in the process. Dhoni also led the CSK franchise to five IPL trophies, the joint-highest in the tournament alongside Rohit Sharma. Moreover, the former Indian skipper led CSK to twin CLT20 wins in 2010 and 2014, making him one of the most decorated cricketers in the history of global franchise cricket. CSK suffer unwanted defeat vs SRH Taking on SRH in a must-win game, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and opted to bat first. While the cricketer himself responded with a sluggish 15 from 21 balls at the top, his opening partner Sanju Samson fired 27 off just 13 balls and Dewald Brevis minted 44 off 27. With Shivam Dube struggling to get his timing right in the backend of the innings, CSK charted 180-7 in 20 overs. For the SRH, captain and legendary Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins picked up impressive bowling figures of 3-28. In response, SRH motored towards a comprehensive five-wicket win in just 19 overs. Ishan Kishan blasted seven boundaries and three sixes to slap an electrifying 47-ball 70. Heinrich Klaasen also made a swift 47 off 26 balls. With the defeat, the CSK franchise now remains stranded at 12 points for the time being. The five-time champions need to win their impending fixture against the Gujarat Titans, and need to hope for a slew of exterior results to go their way. Also Read- Watch - Ishan Kishan Brutally Mocks CSK With ‘Whistle Podu’ Celebration After SRH Win
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