MS Dhoni, the Chennai Super Kings stalwart, has reportedly not joined the CSK travelling party to Lucknow ahead of their IPL 2026 clash against Lucknow Super Giants. The match is scheduled for Friday at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, and the 44-year-old wicketkeeper-batter is expected to miss out after remaining sidelined due to a calf problem earlier in the season.
Dhoni had already arranged his travel plans with the squad, but ultimately decided against making the trip. The decision comes after he suffered a calf strain before the campaign began. Even though he has since recovered from the injury, he is still not available for selection as CSK prepare for the encounter in Lucknow.
With Dhoni unavailable in the playing XI, Sanju Samson—CSK’s acquisition from Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026—has taken over wicketkeeping duties. For CSK supporters, that means another match will pass without seeing Dhoni in action at the ground.
Even while he remains out of the match squad, Dhoni continues to contribute to the team’s growth through advice and guidance from the sidelines. His influence, however, is also showing up through the performances of CSK’s younger brigade.
Dhoni’s message and Urvil Patel’s breakthrough
- CSK youngster Urvil Patel recently produced a standout effort by smashing the joint-quickest IPL fifty, reaching the milestone in just 13 deliveries.
- He linked that rise to a key conversation with Dhoni, describing it as pivotal in helping him nail his mindset before and during the innings.
- The knock came during CSK’s match against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026, where Urvil struck a rapid 65 off 23 balls.
- In that innings, Urvil cleared the ropes eight times and matched the fastest fifty mark in IPL history.
- Urvil also became the first batter in IPL history to hit six maximums within the opening eight balls of an innings, accelerating CSK’s chase during the powerplay.
- After failing to convert starts in earlier outings, Urvil said the guidance he received helped him regain clarity and confidence, turning his early momentum into a big score.
- He explained that after getting out cheaply in a couple of previous matches, he spoke to Dhoni in the dressing room and asked how to turn a promising start into a larger innings.
- Urvil quoted Dhoni’s response as reassurance that there was no doubt about his ability, and that any hesitation was inside his own mind—urging him to keep it simple and pick the right ball in the right areas.
- According to Urvil, that confidence boost erased self-doubt and allowed him to lean into his natural attacking instincts.
Speaking about the impact, Urvil said he wanted to thank Dhoni for the knowledge shared, adding that the reassurance made him feel good and that the innings turned out to be a strong performance. He also noted that Dhoni would be happy seeing how the knock unfolded.
Urvil further revealed that the innings carried special meaning for him because it was his maiden IPL fifty, achieved in a historic and unforgettable manner.
