Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad gave an important update on MS Dhoni at the toss before the IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday. Dhoni has missed the opening two fixtures of the season and was once again left out of CSK’s playing XI, with the wicketkeeper-batter still working his way through recovery from a calf strain. Speaking at the coin toss, Gaikwad said Dhoni is “getting back slowly” and that it will take a bit more time before he is fully fit, while also noting that the team is keeping preparations focused on the current lineup.
Key takeaways
- MS Dhoni was absent for CSK’s match due to ongoing recovery from a calf injury.
- Gaikwad indicated Dhoni is progressing “slowly” and needs more time to be completely ready.
- CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and chose to bowl first at the RCB clash.
- Gaikwad said the pitch looks likely to offer runs and that CSK will aim to limit RCB’s scoring.
- Both teams entered the game with unchanged lineups from their previous outing.
Gaikwad’s toss talk on Dhoni and CSK’s plans
At the toss, Gaikwad faced questions about Dhoni’s status and responded that the veteran is returning to form at a gradual pace. He added that recovery can take time and suggested that if Dhoni is deemed ready, his return could come soon, though he did not provide a firm confirmation about Dhoni’s availability for CSK’s subsequent match.
On CSK’s decision at the start of the contest, Gaikwad explained the reasoning behind opting to bowl first. He described the venue as a ground where runs are likely to be scored and said his side will try to restrict RCB as much as possible. He also referenced the team’s momentum, stating that while the first game of the competition was disappointing, CSK’s batting improved significantly in the second match, and that confidence is high within the camp.
Playing XI details: CSK vs RCB (unchanged)
After the toss, both sides confirmed they would keep the same team combinations for this encounter.
- Chennai Super Kings: Sanju Samson (w), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy.
