MS Dhoni has gone back to Ranchi and is set to miss Chennai Super Kings’ final group-stage game of IPL 2026 against Gujarat Titans on Thursday. The wicketkeeper-batter has been sidelined after a calf problem during the pre-season, and a later thumb injury has further kept him out of action. With CSK needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, the absence of the former captain is a notable blow as the race for the Top 4 tightens.
Key takeaways
- Dhoni is currently not part of the CSK squad and will miss the Thursday clash versus Gujarat Titans.
- He has not played any CSK match this season due to a calf strain picked up in the pre-season.
- A subsequent thumb injury has ruled him out of CSK’s recent fixtures as well.
- Reports suggest Dhoni did not travel with the team ahead of this must-win match against GT.
- CSK sit sixth in the points table and must win while depending on outcomes from other games to reach the playoffs.
- Batting coach Michael Hussey said Dhoni is not with the side right now, but could rejoin if CSK qualify for the postseason.
Dhoni’s injury timeline and CSK’s immediate challenge
MS Dhoni has returned home to Ranchi and will not be available for Chennai Super Kings’ last group-stage encounter against Gujarat Titans on Thursday. The veteran has had a difficult run with injuries, first missing action after suffering a calf strain before the tournament began. While he had managed to move past that initial issue, a fresh thumb injury subsequently ruled him out of the matches that followed.
As CSK prepare for a game they must win, there are also reports that Dhoni did not travel with the squad ahead of the fixture against GT. The team’s situation is further complicated by the standings, with CSK currently placed sixth in the IPL points table and needing assistance from other results to secure a playoff position.
What Hussey said and what CSK need from the remaining matches
CSK batting coach Michael Hussey confirmed that Dhoni is not present with the team at the moment. He added that if Chennai manage to qualify for the playoffs, Dhoni could return to join the side. Hussey also noted that the thumb issue is improving, but insisted Dhoni would not be ready in time for the Gujarat Titans match.
Hussey’s comments came after CSK were dealt a setback in their previous outing against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Now, they face Gujarat Titans—who are placed second in the points table—in a must-win contest. A CSK victory would take them to 14 points, though their path to the playoffs would still depend on how the rest of the group-stage fixtures unfold.
With competition intense around the Top 4, CSK will also have to keep an eye on the challenge posed by Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Kolkata Knight Riders as they battle for the final postseason spots.
