MS Dhoni IPL Future: CSK Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad Drops Massive Update

MS Dhoni for CSK - (Source: AFP)

On Monday, Chennai Super Kings hosted Sunrisers Hyderabad for their last IPL 2026 match at the Chepauk Stadium. The entire world waited for one man, MS Dhoni, who was expected to return to action in this particular match. 

Notably, MS Dhoni has not played a single match in IPL 2026 because of injury and the fans were expecting the 44-year-old to play against SRH, because the former India captain had previously mentioned that he would want his last match in professional cricket to be in Chennai.

MS Dhoni Misses Out Against SRH

In a heartbreaking development, Ruturaj Gaikwad, at the toss, confirmed that MS Dhoni is yet to recover from his injury and won't play the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The wait game continues to see Thala, but the positive news is that MS Dhoni has travelled with the team to the Chepauk Stadium for the first time in this season.

The fans fear a silent retirement for MS Dhoni as he is struggling to regain fitness and it seemed that SRH match at Chepauk was the last chance to see his glimpse on a cricketing field. However, Ruturaj Gaikwad provided a crucial update at the toss.

Also Read: CSK Vs SRH Toss Update: Still No MS Dhoni As Ruturaj Gaikwad Wins The Crucial Toss

MS Dhoni IPL Future, Ruturaj Gaikwad Reveals

Ruturaj Gaikwad revealed that MS Dhoni is struggling to regain full fitness but might return for CSK's last group-stage match against Gujarat Titans, which is on May 21 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

"The good news is he's still here. But he's not fit enough to play this game. Hopefully we'll win this one and you never know maybe in the last game," remarked Ruturaj Gaikwad at the toss.

Also Read: Sri Lanka Cricket Announces LPL 2026 Schedule; R. Premadasa Stadium To Host Final

Will Fans See MS Dhoni Again In IPL 2026?

The reason why fans are emotional to not see MS Dhoni playing against SRH is due to his past remarks, where he vowed to play his last game at CSK's home Chepauk Stadium. Now, since that is not possible, the only expectation is to see MS Dhoni back in action in IPL 2027.

Now given the extent of injuries MS Dhoni sustained in IPL 2026, it is highly unlikely that the 44-year-old return for another season. Hence, the fans are worried because now the GT match is their last hope to see MS Dhoni play.

Also, there is no qualifiers or playoff match scheduled in Chennai, which is why MS Dhoni is unlikely to feature again. Also, talking about qualification scenario of CSK, then the Men in Yellow are placed 5th on the table with 12 points in 12 matches. For them to qualify, they need to win their remaining two matches.

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