MS Dhoni and Deepak Chahar have long shared an easy off-field rapport, and a fresh clip from Mumbai Indians has brought that bond back into focus—this time wrapped in a bit of mischief. With Chennai Super Kings set to take on Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, the meeting also marks another chapter in a rivalry that is never short on drama.
Quick facts
- CSK and MI will play for the first time in IPL 2026 at Wankhede Stadium.
- Both sides have started the season similarly: two wins and four losses each.
- The CSK vs MI clash is often called the “El Clasico of the IPL.”
- MI lead the head-to-head tally 22–19 across IPL and CLT20.
- This will be the 40th CSK–MI matchup in IPL 2026 and the 14th time they face each other in Mumbai.
- A Mumbai Indians net-session video showed Dhoni and Chahar sharing a light-hearted moment involving the cameras.
As both franchises chase a better rhythm in IPL 2026, the timing of this fixture adds extra pressure. Chennai and Mumbai have each managed two wins while suffering four defeats so far, which makes the contest pivotal for either side to arrest any slide and build momentum again.
The CSK vs MI rivalry has earned its heavyweight status over the years, frequently described as the “El Clasico of the IPL.” When the teams meet, it rarely feels like just another match—especially with the head-to-head history giving Mumbai a narrow advantage.
In combined contests across IPL and CLT20, MI have edged it 22–19 against CSK. Looking specifically at IPL 2026, the league encounter at Wankhede will be their 40th meeting overall, and also the 14th time the two sides lock horns in Mumbai.
Dhoni-Chahar banter steals the spotlight
Even with all the intensity expected on the field, the relationship between Dhoni and Chahar has always gone beyond franchise colours. In a video filmed during a recent net session, Deepak Chahar—now part of Mumbai Indians after his time with CSK—walked up to Dhoni as if to catch up properly.
But Dhoni’s response came with a grin and a joke. He pointed out the camera presence and quipped in Hindi: “Tum aaya, saath mein camera leke aaya… bhagao isko.” The humour landed instantly, with the message clear—get the camera out of the way so the conversation can continue.
Chahar then shifted the spotlight to the cameraman, playfully telling him to leave: “Arey yaar bhaiya, jao aap.” Dhoni followed up with another smile, adding: “Haan, warna baat nahi kar paenge,” implying that without the distraction they could actually talk.
The pair’s bond is widely recognised as the classic “elder brother–younger brother” dynamic. Their past moments have often teased that closeness in public, and it showed again in earlier on-field exchanges as well.
During the 2025 MI vs CSK match, Chahar reportedly tried to sledge Dhoni with a playful gesture—indicating he would field at short silly point as Dhoni walked in to bat. After CSK’s win, Dhoni was also seen jokingly “hitting” Chahar with his bat during the post-match handshakes, a clip that quickly went viral and became another reminder of their enduring camaraderie.
With Dhoni and Chahar set to cross paths again at Wankhede, this time the real test will be on the scoreboard. Still, the off-field chemistry underlines why this fixture continues to capture attention well beyond the boundary line.
