![Ravi Shastri and MS Dhoni [Source: X and Screengrabs]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1776523165897_RaviShastriandMSDhoni.jpg?type=hq)
Ravi Shastri and MS Dhoni [Source: X and Screengrabs]
The buzz went super high when MS Dhoni arrived at Hyderabad's RGI Airport on April 16, 2026, accompanied by his family and Chennai Super Kings' official cricket team. In almost two weeks, MS Dhoni has not been present at the stadium during CSK’s matches, however, his arrival in Hyderabad charged up speculations.
Fans were guessing that the CSK veteran is set to make his IPL 2026 debut against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18 at Hyderabad's Uppal Stadium.
However, what added to the speculation was Ravi Shastri's blunder at the toss. As Chennai Super Kings won the toss and opted to bowl, Shastri, while speaking to Ruturaj Gaikwad after the toss, did not ask for any team changes to get a hint on Dhoni, while fans all over India were waiting for the answer.
Why MS Dhoni Is Still Not Playing in IPL 2026?
Dhoni has been suffering from a calf strain since the beginning of IPL 2026 and was ruled out by the management for almost two weeks due to fitness issues.
However, even after almost three weeks of the tournament, Dhoni's appearance is unlikely. Yet, the Hyderabad appearance sparked hopes in the hearts of fans. Naturally, they wanted the toss presenter to ask whether the ex-Chennai Super Kings captain will be on the ground or not.
Ravi Shastri Skips MS Dhoni Topic At The CSK vs SRH Toss
However, surprisingly, Shastri totally skipped the topic. He asked Ruturaj Gaikwad about the toss decision, the behaviour and attitude of the team and the surface.
Also Read- SRH Vs CSK Toss Update: Still No MS Dhoni As Ruturaj Gaikwad Elects To Bowl
However, what grabbed more attention was Shastri particularly asking Ishan Kishan, who came after Ruturaj Gaikwad, about the team changes, but not to Gaikwad.
This avoidance of the MS Dhoni question triggered a massive shockwave on the internet, especially for Ravi Shastri, who, being a professional commentator and presenter, rarely makes these errors.
Why Ravi Shastri Didn't Ask Gaikwad For Team Changes Against SRH?
This can also be a deliberate avoidance from the end of Ravi Shastri, since MS Dhoni's presence in Hyderabad and absence in the match might cause much more stir in the community.
While the result would have been visible within a few minutes when Chennai Super Kings would have fielded the playing XI, Shastri's avoidance can be caused primarily by two reasons.
Firstly, either he must have forgotten to ask for team changes to Ruturaj Gaikwad, or Shastri must have deliberately kept quiet to skip the topic on live television.
Nevertheless, this was proved true later, with MS Dhoni absent from the playing XI and not on the impact substitute list either, which suggests he will be watching the game from the sidelines.
CSK Struggling To Climb Up The Ranks
As of CSK, the team has been struggling with form in recent times. After three consecutive defeats against Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, CSK found back their form against Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders, but still lingers at the bottom of the table in the eighth position.
Also Read- Ishan Kishan Attains Never Seen Before Unwanted IPL Feat Vs CSK
Nevertheless, a win against Sunrisers Hyderabad would help CSK climb above the sixth position, taking them closer to the initial race for the playoffs.
With MS Dhoni still absent from the Playing XI, another hope for the fans to see the CSK legend will be against the Mumbai Indians in the mega El Clásico battle, where CSK will meet MI on April 23 at the Wankhede Stadium.
Follow SRH vs CSK Live Updates For Each And Every Detail Of The High-Octane IPL 2026 Clash
