MS Dhoni is expected to travel with Chennai Super Kings for their pivotal IPL 2026 fixture against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday. The 44-year-old is still managing a calf problem and has not appeared in a match this season, but he has already joined the squad for two earlier away trips.
CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has said Dhoni’s travel ticket has been arranged for the Lucknow leg ahead of the contest. With the team preparing for a high-stakes game, there is optimism inside the camp that Dhoni will be part of the match-day plans, even as his fitness remains a question.
Quick facts
- Match: Chennai Super Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants
- Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium
- Date: Friday (IPL 2026)
- Player: MS Dhoni
- Fitness update: Recovering from a calf injury; has not played this season
- Travel status: Viswanathan confirmed Dhoni’s ticket is booked for the trip to Lucknow
- Team form: CSK have won three of their last four matches
- Points position: Sixth place with 10 points from 10 games
- Qualification equation: Playoffs can be secured by winning at least two of the last three matches
Dhoni’s potential involvement has sparked discussion because CSK still have three matches left in the league phase. The speculation is that he could feature in at least one of those games, if not all, depending on how his body responds to training and match preparation.
Despite the hope around his return, there are also reports that Dhoni may be reluctant to unsettle the current XI. The reasoning is straightforward: CSK are riding momentum, having put together a run of three consecutive wins, and the franchise appears keen to protect the rhythm that has brought results.
Injury details have also shaped the debate. Dhoni picked up a knee issue ahead of IPL 2026 during a practice session and has not taken the field for CSK in the ongoing campaign since that setback.
CSK’s playoff push
After a shaky opening, CSK have staged a turnaround in IPL 2026. They have won three of their last four outings and sit sixth in the points table, collecting 10 points from 10 matches, which keeps their qualification hopes alive.
CSK can strengthen their case for a playoff spot if they win at least two of their final three games. Following the Lucknow match, their schedule includes a home clash with Sunrisers Hyderabad and an away encounter against Gujarat Titans.
Former India captain Anil Kumble has weighed in on the likelihood of Dhoni’s appearance, suggesting he might not play against LSG even if he is working hard to regain full match fitness. Kumble’s view is that a stable winning combination is something the five-time champions typically protect, rather than reshaping mid-run.
“CSK are the kind of side that don’t like their winning streak to end. They don’t tinker much with their winning combination, and they believe in backing their players,” Kumble said. He added that Dhoni has been doing a lot of work in the nets and that he has even been practicing wicketkeeping drills during net sessions, which is unusual given his history of not keeping wickets in training.
Kumble further noted that the effort is aimed at getting Dhoni back to full match readiness, while the team still balances that goal against the advantages of sticking with what is already functioning on the field.
