NEW DELHI: Fans hoping to catch a rare glimpse of Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the Chennai Super Kings’ final league match of IPL 2026 against Gujarat Titans were left disappointed on Thursday. Dhoni did not take the field, extending a season-long absence from the franchise he captained to five IPL titles—his first-ever IPL campaign without a single appearance for CSK.
Dhoni’s IPL 2026 absence confirmed
CSK’s decision not to include Dhoni in the Gujarat Titans contest was not unexpected. Earlier, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey had already indicated that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter was dealing with a thumb injury and would be unavailable for the key encounter.
Still, Hussey had also left the door open for a potential return, suggesting Dhoni could be back if CSK managed to earn a place in the playoffs. Dhoni, however, did not travel with the squad to Ahmedabad for the match against Gujarat Titans.
- Dhoni missed CSK’s IPL 2026 match versus Gujarat Titans due to a thumb issue.
- Michael Hussey had said Dhoni could return only if CSK qualified for the playoffs.
- Dhoni did not make the trip to Ahmedabad for the fixture.
From 2008 auction signing to a CSK icon
Dhoni’s IPL journey traces back to the inaugural auction in 2008, when CSK secured him and he quickly became the face of the franchise. That association has defined his career, even with a brief detour during CSK’s suspension in 2016 and 2017, when Dhoni turned out for Rising Pune Supergiants—the only other IPL franchise he has represented.
Across 278 IPL matches, Dhoni has amassed 5439 runs at a strike rate of 137.45 and an average of 38.30. His IPL resume also includes 24 half-centuries.
Key milestones, missed matches and leadership record
Even with his long-standing involvement, Dhoni had previously missed only five IPL matches before the 2026 season. Three of those absences came in 2010, when he was sidelined against Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The other two missed fixtures arrived in 2019 against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians.
As captain, Dhoni guided CSK to five IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023. Under his leadership, the franchise also reached a record 10 IPL finals.
Dhoni’s IPL numbers by season
Dhoni’s season-by-season IPL output highlights both longevity and consistency, with roles spanning CSK and Rising Pune Supergiants.
- Overall: 278 matches, 242 innings, 5439 runs, HS 98*, average 38.30, strike rate 137.45; 24 fifties; 137 catches; 45 stumpings.
- IPL 2026: did not play any matches for CSK (first such season in IPL history for him with the franchise he led to five titles).
- IPL 2025 (CSK): 14 matches, 13 innings, 630 runs, HS 24.50*; average 24.50; strike rate 135.17; 0 fifties; 13 catches; 0 stumpings.
- IPL 2024 (CSK): 14 matches, 11 innings, 1613 runs, HS 53.66*; average 53.66; strike rate 220.54; 2 fifties; 20 catches; 5 stumpings.
- IPL 2023 (CSK): 16 matches, 12 innings, 1210 runs, HS 26.00*; average 26.00; strike rate 182.45; 7 fifties; 7 catches; 45 stumpings.
- IPL 2022 (CSK): 14 matches, 13 innings, 33250 runs, HS 33.14*; average 33.14; strike rate 123.40; 1 fifty; 1 catch; 39 stumpings.
- IPL 2021 (CSK): 16 matches, 11 innings, 14118 runs, HS 16.28*; average 16.28; strike rate 106.54; 0 fifties; 10 catches; 5 stumpings.
- IPL 2020/21 (CSK): 14 matches, 12 innings, 220047 runs, HS 25.00*; average 25.00; strike rate 116.27; 0 fifties; 11 catches; 0 stumpings.
- IPL 2019 (CSK): 15 matches, 12 innings, 151241684 runs, HS 83.20*; average 83.20; strike rate 134.62; 10 fifties; 7 catches; 115 stumpings.
- IPL 2018 (CSK): 16 matches, 15 innings, 54579 runs, HS 75.83*; average 75.83; strike rate 150.66; 7 fifties; 10 catches; 113 stumpings.
- IPL 2017 (RPS): 16 matches, 15 innings, 29061 runs, HS 26.36*; average 26.36; strike rate 115.99; 1 fifty; 11 catches; 103 stumpings.
- IPL 2016 (RPS): 14 matches, 12 innings, 228464 runs, HS 40.57*; average 40.57; strike rate 135.23; 7 fifties; 13 catches; 184 stumpings.
- IPL 2015 (CSK): 17 matches, 17 innings, 3737253 runs, HS 31.00; average 31.00; strike rate 121.96; 1 fifty; 9 catches; 183 stumpings.
- IPL 2014 (CSK): 16 matches, 15 innings, 3757157 runs, HS 74.20*; average 74.20; strike rate 148.40; 4 fifties; 8 catches; 131 stumpings.
- IPL 2013 (CSK): 18 matches, 16 innings, 461667 runs, HS 41.90*; average 41.90; strike rate 162.89; 9 fifties; 16 catches; 152 stumpings.
- IPL 2012 (CSK): 19 matches, 17 innings, 3735851 runs, HS 29.83*; average 29.83; strike rate 128.77; 6 fifties; 12 catches; 112 stumpings.
- IPL 2011 (CSK): 16 matches, 13 innings, 393270 runs, HS 43.55*; average 43.55; strike rate 158.70; 5 fifties; 15 catches; 255 stumpings.
- IPL 2009/10 (CSK): 13 matches, 11 innings, 1128766 runs, HS 31.88*; average 31.88; strike rate 136.66; 2 fifties; 4 catches; 256 stumpings.
- IPL 2009 (CSK): 14 matches, 13 innings, 333258 runs, HS 41.50*; average 41.50; strike rate 127.20; 4 fifties; 2 catches; 244 stumpings.
- IPL 2007/08 (CSK): 16 matches, 14 innings, 41446541 runs, HS 41.40; average 41.40; strike rate 133.54; 5 fifties; 2 catches; 260 stumpings.
