{"id":8797,"date":"2026-05-10T10:59:31","date_gmt":"2026-05-10T10:59:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1win.za.com\/ipl\/kumble-suggests-dhoni-return-to-csk-vs-lsg-may-wait-to-preserve-momentum"},"modified":"2026-05-10T10:59:31","modified_gmt":"2026-05-10T10:59:31","slug":"kumble-suggests-dhoni-return-to-csk-vs-lsg-may-wait-to-preserve-momentum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1win.za.com\/ipl\/kumble-suggests-dhoni-return-to-csk-vs-lsg-may-wait-to-preserve-momentum","title":{"rendered":"Kumble Suggests Dhoni Return to CSK vs LSG May Wait to Preserve Momentum"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Former India captain Anil Kumble feels MS Dhoni\u2019s return to action for Chennai Super Kings against Lucknow Super Giants might still be delayed, even though the veteran wicketkeeper-batter has been working hard to get back to full match fitness. The reason, in Kumble\u2019s view, is simple: CSK are unlikely to disturb a lineup that is delivering results.<\/p>\n<h3>Quick facts<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Anil Kumble believes MS Dhoni may not play for CSK vs Lucknow Super Giants despite fitness work.<\/li>\n<li>Kumble says CSK prefer continuity and generally avoid tinkering with a winning XI.<\/li>\n<li>He revealed Dhoni has been batting more in nets and even practising wicketkeeping there.<\/li>\n<li>Kumble expects Dhoni may avoid returning immediately if it risks the team\u2019s balance.<\/li>\n<li>Dhoni injured his knee ahead of IPL 2026 during a practice session and has not played a game this season.<\/li>\n<li>CSK have recovered after a slow start, winning three of their last four matches.<\/li>\n<li>CSK sit sixth in the points table with 10 points from 10 matches.<\/li>\n<li>They can book a playoff spot by winning at least three of their final four matches.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Kumble, speaking in the lead-up to the IPL encounter, highlighted CSK\u2019s mindset around team selection. He described the franchise as one that doesn\u2019t want a run of success to end, adding that they rarely tinker once a combination starts clicking.<\/p>\n<p>The former India spinner also pointed to the extra preparation Dhoni has been putting in away from the spotlight. Kumble said Dhoni has spent considerable time batting during practice, while also taking time for wicketkeeping drills in net sessions.<\/p>\n<p>In Kumble\u2019s telling, the wicketkeeping work in the nets is especially noteworthy because Dhoni is not someone who typically performs that kind of wicketkeeping practice in those sessions. Still, the effort is aimed at getting him back to full readiness as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n<p>Even with that progress, Kumble believes the decorated campaigner may not rush straight back into the playing XI if it threatens the side\u2019s rhythm. With CSK currently performing well, he argued that Dhoni would likely avoid any move that could upset the momentum and the stable player combination that has been helping them win.<\/p>\n<h3>Where CSK stand in IPL 2026<\/h3>\n<p>Dhoni\u2019s current absence stems from a knee injury sustained ahead of IPL 2026 during a practice session. He has not featured in a single match for CSK so far in the ongoing season.<\/p>\n<p>On the team front, CSK\u2019s turnaround has been encouraging. After an uneven beginning to IPL 2026, they have won three of their last four matches and are placed sixth in the points table, collecting 10 points from 10 games.<\/p>\n<p>With the playoffs in sight, CSK can strengthen their position further by sealing a top-four berth if they win at least three of their remaining four matches. The next test against Lucknow will therefore come at a key moment for a side trying to keep its momentum going.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Former India captain Anil Kumble feels MS Dhoni\u2019s return to action for Chennai Super Kings against Lucknow Super Giants might still be delayed, even though&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":8796,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"Kumble on Dhoni: CSK vs LSG IPL Return Plans","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Anil Kumble hints MS Dhoni\u2019s CSK return vs LSG may be delayed, as CSK won\u2019t change a winning XI\u2014despite his push for full fitness.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8797","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - 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