MS Dhoni has missed all 12 of Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) IPL 2026 matches so far due to a calf injury. With only two league games remaining, it's not clear if fans are ever going to see the legendary wicketkeeper play in the cash-rich tournament again.
Initially ruled out for two weeks, Dhoni’s recovery hit an obstacle after he re-tweaked his calf muscle during a warm-up session.
Despite travel arrangements being made for him to join the squad in Lucknow, the 44-year-old ultimately stayed back in Chennai as CSK succumbed to a damaging seven-wicket defeat against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 15.
With CSK set to play their last home game of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Monday (May 18), there is a murmur about Dhoni’s possible return at Chepauk. The speculation is fuelled by Dhoni’s old remark from 2021, when he had hinted that his final T20 might come in Chennai.
However, former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar has poured cold water on the possibility, stressing that bringing in a player who has not featured in competitive cricket for over a year carries too much risk for a must-win playoff encounter.
“The match against SRH is a crucial one for CSK. It's their last home game at Chepauk, so naturally fans want to see MS Dhoni play,” Gavaskar said while speaking on JioStar.
“But he hasn't featured at all this season. In fact, he hasn't played competitive cricket for over a year. So, I doubt he would want to take such a risk at this stage. You need players who have been match-fit and playing regularly for the last six weeks,” he added.
Gavaskar also emphasized Dhoni’s team-first mindset, stating, “Dhoni is a complete team-man. I don't think he would want to disrupt the current combination.”
In order to reach the playoffs, CSK need to win their remaining two league fixtures and hope other results favor them. Hence, Gavaskar strongly downplayed the chances of Dhoni’s return against SRH.
“I would be very surprised if he plays against SRH. This is a must-win game for CSK. A victory keeps them alive in the playoff race. They have to win this match at all costs, and bringing in a player who hasn't played in over a year could be a gamble,” he remarked.
