With the Chennai Super Kings set to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad, former India opener Sunil Gavaskar has cast doubt on whether MS Dhoni will be risked in the playing XI. Gavaskar suggested that bringing the wicketkeeper-batter back after a long absence could be “a gamble” at this stage, especially with CSK’s playoff hopes hanging in the balance.
Gavaskar’s view ahead of CSK vs SRH
- Gavaskar said Dhoni’s inclusion could be a gamble, arguing that the team would prefer not to disturb a settled combination.
- He pointed out that Dhoni missed the entire campaign due to a calf issue and has not turned out in any competitive cricket for a full year, noting that this makes a late call-up harder to justify.
- He highlighted that CSK have two matches against SRH and then face GT later, with those fixtures viewed as vital for their qualification chances.
- Gavaskar added that for a high-stakes encounter, CSK will need players who are match fit and have shown consistency in recent weeks.
- He described Dhoni as a “team man” and said the veteran is unlikely to want to disrupt the current unit that has delivered results for CSK this season.
- In closing, Gavaskar said he would be surprised to see Dhoni play against SRH, labelling the contest a “must-win” for CSK—one where a player who has been away for over a year may not be the safest option.
Gavaskar also underlined the context for supporters at Chepauk, calling the clash CSK’s last home game of the season and noting that fans would naturally want Dhoni to feature. However, he reiterated that Dhoni has not appeared at all this season and has not been involved in competitive action for more than a year, making a return at this point difficult to envisage.
Dhoni’s recent training provides a contrasting note, with reports indicating that he trained for 30 to 40 minutes on Sunday, working with throwdowns and spinners. Still, Gavaskar’s argument remained that the team’s immediate needs call for proven match rhythm rather than a sudden reshuffle.
Dhoni’s IPL record and recent season numbers
Across 278 IPL matches, Dhoni has amassed 5,439 runs in 242 innings at an average of 38.30, striking at 137.45. His tally includes 24 half-centuries, and his highest score in the tournament stands at 84 not out. He also ranks as the seventh-highest run-scorer in IPL history.
In the most recent season where CSK finished at the bottom of the table, Dhoni contributed 196 runs from 13 innings, averaging 24.50 with a strike rate above 135. His best effort that year was 30 not out.
Contract updates for the next IPL cycles
Dhoni was retained by the Super Kings as an “uncapped player” ahead of IPL 2025 with a salary of Rs 4 crore. That retention was extended for IPL 2026 as well, with his remuneration kept unchanged at Rs 4 crore.
