MS Dhoni IPL 2026 (Source: AFP)
With their IPL 2026 playoff qualification hanging by a thread, Chennai Super Kings will host Mumbai Indians in their upcoming clash at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium today, May 2.
The two most successful IPL teams, CSK and MI, have endured a forgettable campaign so far, with neither side able to build sustained momentum.
On top of that, their former captain, MS Dhoni’s IPL return, still remains a topic of concern for the Ruturaj Gaikwad’s CSK.
MS Dhoni IPL 2026 Return: Latest update
The 44-year-old MS Dhoni has been out of the IPL 2026 due to a recurring calf strain, keeping him out of all early-season matches for Chennai Super Kings. While recovering, reports indicated he had passed fitness tests but remained out of the CSK playing 11, causing frustration among fans.
CSK had earlier confirmed on social media that the former skipper would miss the opening two weeks of the campaign. However, by mid-way, he is nowhere to be seen.
Will MS Dhoni play in the CSK vs MI IPL match today?
Notably, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming, on April 26, after their match with Gujarat Titans, revealed the latest update on MS Dhoni, confirming that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter has suffered another setback in his recovery.
Also read: IPL's Best Stadium Rankings Released, Bad News For CSK
According to Fleming, Thala, as they lovingly call him, has picked up a fresh niggle in his calf, casting further doubt over his availability for the upcoming games.
After he was seen batting and keeping the wickets comfortably in the nets, momentarily, there was growing anticipation that Dhoni might return. However, those hopes have been dashed once again after Mike Hussey, CSK batting coach in a recent presser said that Dhoni is progressing really well, yet his return is still uncertain.
Thus, according to latest comments by CSK officials, MS Dhoni is most likely to sit out against Mumbai Indians in today’s IPL match.
Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2026 qualification scenario
The Sanju Samson-starred CSK had a terrible start to their IPL 2026 campaign as the Yellow Army started off with three successive defeats. Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, and RCB inflicted back-to-back defeats that dented CSK’s confidence.
Nonetheless, the team bounced back to win two on the trot, instilling some confidence in the side. The franchise then lost to the Sunrisers before drubbing Mumbai Indians in a one-sided battle.
All likely playoff qualification scenarios for CSK
With 6 points from 8 matches, CSK face a tough road to the IPL 2026 playoffs, needing to win at least 4-5 of their remaining 6 matches to reach 14-16 points. Currently sitting in 6th place, they need to significantly improve their Net Run Rate (NRR) and rely on other results to make the top four.
In the best-case scenario, if CSK wins 5 or 6 of their remaining 6 matches, they will likely secure a top-two spot, providing two chances to reach the final.
Moreover, winning 4 of the remaining 6 matches would bring them to 14 points, leaving them dependent on other teams' results and a superior NRR to secure the 3rd or 4th spot. Notably, losing 3 or more of their remaining 6 games will likely see them eliminated, as 12 points are usually insufficient in a 10-team tournament.
Also read: SRH Player Ruled Out Of IPL 2026, Replacement Announced
