MS Dhoni has yet to play in IPL 2026 [Source: AFP]In a significant development, there has been a major update about Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni ahead of CSK’s final IPL 2026 league match against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium.At the moment, Chennai Super Kings are trying hard to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs. However, the competition for the remaining playoff spot has become very intense. Moreover, this season has been disappointing for the team led by Ruturaj Gaikwad.CSK’s Playoff Hopes Suffer Big BlowNotably, CSK’s chances of reaching the IPL 2026 playoffs became weaker after the team lost by five wickets to Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium on Monday, May 18. Because of this defeat, CSK are now placed fifth in the points table with only 12 points. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, and Sunrisers Hyderabad have already qualified for the playoffs.Now, CSK’s final league match will be against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on May 21, Thursday. To keep their playoff hopes alive, CSK must win this match. In addition, they will also need several other match results to go in their favour.Also Read: MS Dhoni’s IPL 2026 Injury Timeline: What Happened To CSK's Great In The Last Two Months?CSK Fans Get Emotional At ChepaukEven though CSK lost the match against SRH, fans at Chepauk still witnessed a memorable moment. MS Dhoni, who has not played a single match this season because of injury, appeared on the field after the game.The 44-year-old cricket icon joined the squad for a team photograph and later completed a lap of honour around the stadium. Consequently, fans became emotional as MS Dhoni thanked the Chennai supporters for their continuous love and support.MS Dhoni Likely To Miss Final MatchHowever, ahead of the GT vs CSK match, according to Revsportz, MS Dhoni is not travelling with the CSK team to Ahmedabad for the clash against Gujarat Titans. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that he will feature in CSK’s final IPL 2026 league game.Notably, Dhoni has already missed 13 matches this season due to a calf injury. While CSK management has repeatedly stated that he is injured, several rumours have also surfaced during the season. Some reports claimed that Dhoni may have stayed away intentionally to give younger players more opportunities. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding these theories. Uncertainty Over MS Dhoni’s IPL FutureAt the same time, there is still suspense over whether Dhoni will continue playing in IPL 2027. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming spoke about Dhoni’s future after the loss to SRH.Fleming said that the decision would be taken by the management. He also praised Dhoni’s influence on the team, especially on younger players."It's a choice for the management. I know there has been a lot of talk about it. MS (Dhoni) has been around a lot this year, which is very important for the team, for young players in continuity, so he's been a big part. He hasn't played, but he's still had a big influence on the team," Stephen Fleming said.Meanwhile, former CSK star Suresh Raina has openly requested Dhoni to return for another season. Raina revealed that he jokingly told Dhoni that IPL 2026 “does not count” and urged him to come back next year."“I told MS Dhoni ‘you have given IPL 2026 a missed call. It won’t count. You have to come back next year’. He said ‘nahi yaar, body thoda waisa hai (my body is a little weak)’," Suresh Raina told Star Sports during the post-match show after CSK vs SRH.For now, fans continue to wait eagerly for one final appearance from the legendary captain in CSK colours.Also Read: Shakib Al Hasan's Bangladesh Comeback Takes A Hit As Fresh Scam Involvement Surfaces
