Momentum is gathering in the Chennai Super Kings camp after indications that MS Dhoni may join the squad for the next trip to Lucknow ahead of the franchise’s high-stakes IPL 2026 encounter against Lucknow Super Giants on May 15.
Key takeaways
- CSK are positioned fifth in the IPL 2026 standings after 11 matches, with six wins and five losses.
- After three straight defeats to begin the season, Chennai have bounced back by winning six of their last eight games.
- Sanju Samson has been a major run-getter for CSK, striking 304 runs this term, including two centuries.
- Young pacer Anshul Kamboj has led CSK’s wicket-taking with 14 scalps in IPL 2026.
- Dhoni, still working through a calf injury, has been limited to only two away trips this season and may be a late call for the Lucknow match.
CSK’s revival in IPL 2026
Chennai’s campaign looked bleak early on, with the side suffering three consecutive losses and slipping into a difficult phase. However, the five-time champions have steadily turned things around, assembling a strong finish to the middle stretch of the league by claiming victory in six of their last eight outings.
Much of that upturn has been driven by Sanju Samson’s batting influence. The opener has emerged as CSK’s leading batter in IPL 2026, totalling 304 runs and producing two centuries as the team re-entered the playoff conversation. Under the guidance of Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain and head coach Stephen Fleming, CSK have once again positioned themselves as a serious contender in the race for qualification.
On the bowling front, pace has also added bite. Anshul Kamboj has impressed with the ball, topping CSK’s wicket charts with 14 dismissals so far in the season.
Dhoni’s possible return and the Lucknow trip
MS Dhoni has spent most of IPL 2026 on the sidelines due to a calf issue. This year, the CSK icon has travelled sparingly with the group—appearing on only two away fixtures, those being matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians. He has also missed several home games at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his availability, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed that Dhoni’s travel has been arranged. The franchise has booked Dhoni’s seat on a commercial IndiGo flight with the rest of the 60-member travelling party for the Lucknow assignment. Even so, the expectation is tempered by the fact that Dhoni could still decide at the last moment whether he will take part in the trip.
Dhoni has not featured in any IPL 2026 match so far. Still, hopes of a comeback have continued to grow as CSK remain in contention for a playoff spot. With their league schedule winding down, there is increasing belief that he could make at least one appearance in Chennai’s remaining three fixtures—starting with Lucknow Super Giants on May 15, followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 18, and then Gujarat Titans on May 21.
What CSK need from here
As the postseason race tightens, CSK’s qualification equation is becoming clearer. To comfortably reach the traditional 16-point mark that is often enough to secure a place in the playoffs, Chennai are likely to need at least two wins from their last three league games.
CSK’s remaining IPL 2026 fixtures
- May 15: vs Lucknow Super Giants (Away)
- May 18: vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Home)
- May 21: vs Gujarat Titans (Home)
