No MS Dhoni in CSK vs SRH, IPL 2026 (Source: AFP & X.com)
Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in a crucial IPL 2026 clash at their iconic home ground, M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, on Monday. With the team playing their final home game for the season, MS Dhoni’s availability remained a major talking point.
It is worth noting that the former CSK captain has not played even a single game this season due to a calf strain.
MS Dhoni was already dealing with a calf strain he sustained before the season began. He was initially ruled out of the first two weeks because of it, but a delayed recovery, some setbacks, and Dhoni’s reported decision not to disturb a successful CSK team combination postponed his return.
Ahead of the match, as Dhoni has done all season, he came to training, faced some throwdowns and spin bowling and he left.
Thus, it was widely hoped that the match against SRH, CSK’s last at their home in Chepauk, would be the perfect chance for him to return to the 11.
CSK Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad on MS Dhoni's availability for today's match
The toss update is out, and so are the playing 11s for both the teams for the high-octane CSK vs SRH Match 63 of the ongoing IPL 2026. Super Kings’ captain Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and opted to bat first.
Then came the most awaited question: “Will MS Dhoni play today?”
Also read - MS Dhoni IPL Future: CSK Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad Drops Massive Update
After a deafening pause, Gaikwad said, “But he's not fit enough to play this game.”
And once again, hard-core CSK fans are being denied an opportunity to see their beloved ‘Thala’ play at least once.
Here are how diehard CSK and MS Dhoni fans expressed their anger:
Also read: Arshdeep Singh Out Of IPL 2026 With Injury? Punjab Kings Issue Official Statement
CSK vs SRH clash crucial for a spot in IPL 2026 playoffs
Notably, CSK need to win both their remaining games to make the playoffs. Two wins in their final two games will take them to 16 points, which should be enough to qualify, though the final outcome will depend on other results as well.
The Super Kings are coming off a loss against an already eliminated LSG, where their bowling was dismantled by Mitchell Marsh’s power hitting.
Additionally, Pat Cummins-led Sunrisers Hyderabad’s run has been pretty similar to the five-time champions. They lost three of their first games, and, ironically, their win over CSK at home is what has kept them above the rest in the points table.
SRH are coming off a week-long break, and their last outing in Ahmedabad was a shocker, where a power-packed batting lineup was bundled out for 86.
They hope it was a one-off performance, as another repeat would have a significant impact on the NNR. Given how the points table has currently shaped up, this could be the deciding factor in the end.
Follow CSK vs SRH Live Updates For Each And Every Detail Of The High-Octane IPL 2026 Clash
.jpg?type=mq "LSG playing XI")
