.jpg?type=hq)
MS Dhoni IPL 2026 (Source: AFP)
The five-time IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings, will face the 2022 winners, Gujarat Titans, in their last league fixture in the ongoing IPL 2026.
In their final home game at Chepauk against Sunrisers Hyderabad, CSK suffered a heartbreaking loss. Though the team fought hard to defend a modest total of 180, a fifty from Ishan Kishan and utter brilliance from Heinrich Klaasen won out in the end.
Following the defeat, CSK face a must-win fixture against the Gujarat Titans, who currently hold second place in the points table. A victory would bring CSK to 14 points, but their progression to the playoffs would then depend on results in other group stage matches.
However, Chennai Super Kings’ former captain MS Dhoni has tested his fans’ patience enough this Indian Premier League season. Thirteen matches have been played, yet the former captain hasn’t featured in a single game, not even as an Impact Substitute.
While the CSK management continues to cite injuries as the reason for his absence, several media reports suggest that Dhoni is reluctant to tinker with a combination that has kept the team alive in the playoff race.
Why is MS Dhoni not playing?
The former captain has not played a single match for his IPL franchise, Chennai Super Kings, in the ongoing season. The 44-year-old legendary wicketkeeper-batter, Dhoni, was initially ruled out of the IPL 2026 for two weeks due to a recurring calf strain.
Also read - MS Dhoni’s IPL 2026 Injury Timeline: What Happened To CSK's Great In The Last Two Months?
It was later reported that he had passed fitness tests. Nonetheless, remained out of the CSK playing 11, causing frustration among his fans and followers.
It is worth noting that the franchise had earlier stated that he would miss the first fortnight of the campaign. However, it’s almost the end of the season, and he is still nowhere to be seen.
What’s the latest update on MS Dhoni’s IPL 2026 participation?
Ahead of his side’s final league stage match against GT, Chennai Super Kings' batting coach Michael Hussey spoke on Dhoni’s availability for the match, saying that he is not available for the match due to a thumb injury and could feature if the team manages to qualify for the playoffs.
Hussey’s reply when asked to give an update on MS Dhoni’s participation said, “I can confirm Dhoni is not here with the team, but if we do happen to qualify, then he’ll definitely join back up with the squad. He’s got a bit of a sore thumb."
"It’s recovering nicely, but he won’t be ready for this match. If we can manage to get through to the playoffs, then hopefully he’ll be alright,” added Hussey on the presser on Wednesday, on the eve of CSK’s do-or-die Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) fixture against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Will MS Dhoni Play Today’s GT vs CSK IPL 2026 match today?
In conclusion, while the hide and seek continues regarding MS Dhoni’s participation in the IPL 2026, one thing is confirmed: he will not even play CSK’s today's IPL match against Gujarat Titans.
Also read: BCCI Announces Domestic Season 2026-27 Schedule With Over 1700 Matches
.jpg?type=mq "KKR qualification scenario")
