MS Dhoni has never been “just” an icon for Chennai Super Kings—he has been the club’s emotional compass. Even with no appearance in IPL 2026, Dhoni still dominated conversations, drawing constant headlines around his fitness and possible involvement. The buzz spiked again when he was seen at Chepauk for the first time this season on a CSK matchday. However, later reports clarified that another injury problem has once again kept him out.
Key takeaways
- Dhoni’s IPL 2026 absence has continued despite being seen at Chepauk during a CSK home matchday.
- He missed all 13 of Chennai’s matches this season due to three separate injury setbacks.
- The injuries were linked to his calf twice, with a further issue reported to involve his thumb.
- Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar said he has grown tired of the ongoing Dhoni debate.
- Manjrekar argued CSK mishandled the situation, warning against trying to force Dhoni into the playing XI.
- He suggested Chennai’s best path would be prioritising current form, results, and balance rather than emotional speculation.
Dhoni’s season sidelined by multiple injuries
Dhoni did not feature in any of Chennai’s 13 matches during IPL 2026, with the setbacks coming in three parts. Two of the issues were tied to his calf, while the third was reportedly related to his thumb. That meant his name stayed off the field for the entire campaign so far, even as his presence at Chepauk kept hope alive among supporters.
The latest wave of speculation gathered intensity during CSK’s final home outing of the league stage. Dhoni was present inside the Chepauk dressing room for the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, even though he still did not make it into the starting XI. The sight of him there naturally led many to wonder whether he could finally be used in Chennai’s last league match against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad later this week.
Manjrekar says he has “lost interest” in the saga
When asked about the constant chatter surrounding Dhoni, Sanjay Manjrekar admitted he is exhausted by the subject. He also took aim at how the franchise has handled the situation, delivering a candid assessment of the emotional hold Dhoni has on the team and the consequences of that attachment.
Manjrekar told Sportstar that he has “nothing left to say” about Dhoni and that he has lost interest in the entire storyline. He said that whether Dhoni plays or not, CSK have managed the matter in a way that differs from what many would expect, and he framed his own distancing from the debate as a sign of how much the topic has consumed attention.
Even when pressed on whether Dhoni might appear in Chennai’s last match, Manjrekar revealed he no longer really cares about that particular outcome. In his view, Dhoni’s best version is the one he has seen for India, and that memory remains the benchmark for him.
Why Manjrekar believes prime Dhoni could have changed CSK’s fortunes
Manjrekar praised Dhoni’s leadership heavily, calling him one of his favourite captains and placing him among the all-time greats. He said what Dhoni achieved for India is something he will always cherish, highlighting his status as a captain who defined an era.
He went on to explain that the current Dhoni—by his own description—is not the same as the player in his prime. Still, he argued that CSK’s present setup has not been managed well in relation to the Dhoni phenomenon. According to Manjrekar, if Dhoni in his peak had led this side, Chennai would have reached the playoffs.
In Manjrekar’s telling, the current team’s handling has been far from ideal, and the broader distraction has contributed to problems within the squad. While he acknowledged that fans may still want the chance to enjoy a final moment, he maintained that his personal reference point stays with the Dhoni he saw at the India level and with CSK when he was at his best. He underlined that, even with this roster, Chennai’s playoff path would likely have looked different under prime leadership.
“Don’t get too emotional”: the lesson Manjrekar says CSK must learn
Manjrekar concluded by arguing that in a season where Chennai have fluctuated in performance, their toughest lesson may be tied to the way they have treated the Dhoni situation. He urged the franchise to step away from the emotional obsession of trying to fit Dhoni into the playing XI.
Instead, he said CSK should keep their focus on what matters most: current performances, results, and where they stand in the points table. He also stressed that because Dhoni is 44 years old and does not play regular cricket outside this tournament, it becomes harder for him to contribute consistently in the same manner as before.
Manjrekar said that if Dhoni is used, the pattern is likely to resemble earlier seasons—coming in late, batting lower down the order, and possibly playing a role in the final over. He framed that approach as more about Dhoni being a phenomenal figure than about it being the best tactical route to win. Ultimately, his message to CSK was clear: emotion is fine, but it must not override reality, present output, and the practical balance needed to succeed.
