No MS Dhoni In MI Vs CSK (Source: AFP Photos)
In a significant development, MS Dhoni has been ruled out of CSK’s IPL 2026 match against Mumbai Indians, set to take place at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. The 44-year-old, who is yet to be in action this season, will take more time to take the field, as reported by Indian Express.
Senior sports journalist Devendra Pandey, who works for Indian Express, tweeted a few minutes ago to confirm the development, as there is no MS Dhoni in MI vs CSK IPL 2026 match.
CSK Fans Wait For MS Dhoni's IPL Comeback
There have been numerous reports surfacing on MS Dhoni’s update, teasing ardent CSK fans every other day. The veteran, who has been part of the IPL ever since its inauguration in 2008, picked up a calf injury just before the start of the season.
Since then, he has not been in CSK’s playing XI in IPL 2026, although there were chances that he might return sooner rather than later.
In fact, Dhoni did not even travel to the Wankhede Stadium with the CSK squad for the MI match, as revealed by Cricbuzz’s Vijay Tagore later on.
Notably, MI vs CSK matches took place 40 times in the IPL. Dhoni missed out on featuring in the clash of titans only twice, first in 2019, which took place in Chennai and the other on Thursday.
Also Read: Gautam Gambhir Marks MS Dhoni's Blue Eyed Boy To Solve India's Biggest Problem
When Will MS Dhoni Play For CSK?
Even though there is no official confirmation, CSK’s social media handle confirmed that Dhoni has started keeping behind the stumps, as well as taking the bat in hand during the training sessions.
This is good news for CSK, as the indications are their beloved ‘Thala’ might be returning very, very soon. It could be as quick as April 26, when the five-time IPL champions will face Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans in Match 37 of IPL 2026 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
How Are CSK Playing Without MS Dhoni?
Under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK have been performing poorly in IPL 2026. While Gaikwad’s form is a subject of concern, CSK, as a unit, have not been successful, with only two victories in six attempts speaking volumes.
At this point, CSK are currently eighth on the points table. Only Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are worse than them, sitting on ninth and tenth places respectively.
Also Read: MI vs CSK Toss Report: Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni Fail To Turn Up As Hardik Asks Gaikwad To Bat
Not to forget, MI are just above CSK on the IPL 2026 points table. The Hardik Pandya-led side have had the same number of wins in as many matches as Gaikwad and his boys. Therefore, this is a crucial fixture for both the sides, with the loser might only have an outside chance to get to the IPL playoffs.
CSK Playing XI Vs MI
Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sarfaraz Khan, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary
Impact Subs: Urvil Patel, Akeal Hosein, Prashant Veer, Matthew Short, Matt Henry
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