With only two league matches remaining, the IPL question marks around MS Dhoni’s fitness and availability are only getting louder. The 44-year-old former Chennai Super Kings captain has not featured in a single game this season after picking up a hamstring injury before the tournament started. Although CSK’s side has suggested in recent weeks that the veteran is progressing well, Dhoni’s exact return date is still unclear. Chennai will first host Sunrisers Hyderabad at Chepauk on Monday, May 18, before travelling for a clash against Gujarat Titans on Thursday, May 21.
Amid the uncertainty, veteran cricket commentator and analyst Harsha Bhogle raised the possibility of a dramatic, last-minute cameo at CSK’s home match on May 18.
“There’s only one game left in Chennai. On the 18th. I won’t be surprised if the city is yellow. I won’t be surprised if there is even if it’s a Hitchcockian appearance,” Bhogle said during a discussion on Cricbuzz.
CSK’s playoff equation tightens after KKR win
CSK’s chances of reaching the playoffs are now extremely slender. The five-time champions must win both of their remaining fixtures to keep their qualification hopes alive. Heading into these final games, they have 12 points from the same number of matches.
After KKR’s result against Gujarat Titans, CSK’s qualification scenario has taken a hit. Once the possibility stood at 28.4 per cent, it has now slipped to 28 per cent following the Saturday outcome.
- In the match on Saturday, KKR delivered a 29-run victory over Gujarat Titans, a result that kept their own playoff hopes alive.
- Finn Allen played a major role with a stunning 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi contributed a similarly impactful 82.
- KKR’s batters punished GT’s fielding lapses, turning mistakes into momentum and control during the innings.
- Allen struck quickly with a 35-ball knock to set the foundation before Raghuvanshi took charge in the middle phase.
- Raghuvanshi finished unbeaten on 82, steering his innings from 44 balls.
- Cameron Green then added impetus at the end, remaining not out on 52 off 28 deliveries.
- Together, the KKR batters piled on 108 runs in just 53 balls, helping the side post 247 for two—an innings that proved to be a season-best total for the franchise.
- In response, Gujarat Titans fought back through skipper Shubman Gill (85 off 49 balls), Jos Buttler (57 off 35 balls), and Sai Sudharsan (53 not out off 28 balls).
- Despite those contributions, GT could only reach 218 for four, falling short by 29 runs.
As the IPL schedule moves into its closing phase, CSK’s final two matches at home and away will be crucial—not only for their points race, but also for what could be a highly anticipated moment if Dhoni does return at Chepauk on May 18.
