Chennai Super Kings have already played 12 matches in the IPL 2026, yet MS Dhoni remains absent from the playing XI this season. The wicketkeeper-batter was sidelined early due to a calf issue, missing the tournament’s opening phase.
CSK have indicated that Dhoni has recovered, but the franchise has kept him out for now to maintain the team’s balance. With the playoff race still within reach, the four-time champions sit on 12 points from as many games, and two wins from here could put them in a strong position to advance.
Quick facts
- CSK have played 12 IPL 2026 matches; MS Dhoni has not featured so far.
- Dhoni missed the early part of the season due to a calf injury.
- CSK are on 12 points from 12 games and can qualify if they win their final two league matches.
- Next game: CSK vs Sunrisers Hyderabad at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (CSK’s last home league match).
- Ravichandran Ashwin said Dhoni may be in contention for the SRH fixture.
- LSG beat CSK by seven wickets on Friday at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
- Mitchell Marsh made 90 off 38 (nine fours, seven sixes) in the chase.
- CSK posted 187/5; Akash Singh took 3/26 and Kartik Sharma top-scored with 71 off 42.
CSK’s next assignment is against Sunrisers Hyderabad at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, which will be their final home game of the league stage. With the schedule turning, attention is now on whether Dhoni’s recovery is enough to earn him a spot for that clash.
Dhoni’s former India and CSK colleague Ravichandran Ashwin believes the veteran could be used against SRH. In a video message, Ashwin described Dhoni as a “quality pace hitter” and said he feels there is a real possibility of Dhoni playing, adding that he had heard Dhoni had been ready to take the field for the previous two or three matches.
LSG end CSK run
While CSK look toward their next fixture, their most recent outing went the other way as their momentum was snapped. Mitchell Marsh smashed 90 off just 38 balls—featuring nine fours and seven maximums—to help Lucknow Super Giants beat CSK by seven wickets at Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Chasing a target of 188, LSG completed the chase without losing any major rhythm, reaching the required total comfortably. The result also marked an end to CSK’s recent winning streak.
Earlier in the match, CSK were set up by a strong response after LSG made the right start. Akash Singh struck immediately, returning figures of 3 for 26, dismissing Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, and Urvil Patel as CSK’s innings hit early trouble.
Kartik Sharma then steadied the innings with a crucial 70-run partnership alongside Dewald Brevis, dragging CSK away from a precarious position. Sharma played aggressively to finish with 71 off 42 balls, striking six fours and five sixes, while Brevis provided valuable support at the other end.
With the innings entering the final overs, Shivam Dube added the late thrust, remaining unbeaten on 32 off 16 deliveries. LSG captain Rishabh Pant won the toss and chose to bowl first, setting up a chase that ultimately belonged to Marsh’s power-hitting.
