The Indian Premier League 2026 has delivered plenty of drama, and “Revenge Week” has set the tone with a high-voltage opener on May 2. In the blockbuster meeting between arch-rivals Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, CSK secured an emphatic eight-wicket victory, boosting their push for qualification. Yet the match also sparked immediate headlines after MS Dhoni was left out of the travelling group for the next big assignments—despite being part of the squad setup and carrying the hopes of millions of loyal fans.
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On May 2, CSK beat MI by eight wickets in the “Revenge Week” curtain-raiser, with Ruturaj Gaikwad leading from the front and finishing unbeaten on 67.
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Attention quickly turned to MS Dhoni, who was not immediately part of the spotlight around the blockbuster despite being associated with CSK’s core identity.
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Dhoni’s most recent IPL appearance for CSK came in the previous season against Gujarat Titans, but he has not taken the field in the current campaign after a persistent calf problem picked up during the pre-season phase.
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CSK’s overall 2026 rhythm has swung dramatically. After a poor start that saw them lose three straight matches under Gaikwad’s captaincy, the franchise has rallied to sit 6th on the table with 4 wins from 9 games.
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As CSK prepared for a crucial match against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday, May 5, the uncertainty around Dhoni intensified.
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On Monday, May 4, ahead of the Delhi contest, CSK bowling coach Eric Simmons said Dhoni had not travelled with the squad for the trip and declined to provide any further details about his status.
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Simmons explained he could not comment beyond what he knew, stating that Dhoni was not with the team in Delhi but was improving steadily, adding that he would be available when ready.
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Dhoni, meanwhile, had cleared fitness checks and received a medical green signal earlier. He had travelled with the squad ahead of CSK’s matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians last month, but still did not make it into the playing XI.
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With CSK hunting a Top 4 finish, the big question remains when “Thala”—the fan-favourite wicketkeeper-batter—will return to contention this season.
Dhoni’s “team first” mindset and the latest update
While the on-field situation is still evolving, CSK’s internal messaging has consistently pointed to Dhoni’s priorities. Batting coach Mike Hussey previously noted that Dhoni’s thinking is always shaped by what benefits the team most, even if it means avoiding unnecessary distractions around match venues.
Hussey said Dhoni was concerned that his presence would draw extra attention—especially from cameras and the crowd—potentially pulling focus away from the squad’s rhythm and execution. Hussey added that while the decision is not his to make, the logic behind Dhoni’s reluctance to attend certain matches is rooted in giving the team room to do its job without added noise.
As CSK move into the May 5 clash against Delhi Capitals, the franchise will be watching both the scoreboard and the Dhoni timeline closely—hoping that the experience and presence of their iconic leader can arrive at the right moment in a season where qualification pressure is rising fast.
