The atmosphere at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium was electrifying as fans packed the iconic venue in anticipation of seeing something special. with Chennai Super Kings taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad In the all-contest of IPL 2026, the biggest talking point before the game revolved around one person – ms dhoni. Speculation ran high after Dhoni reached Chepauk for the first time on a match day this season, raising hopes of a surprise comeback. However, the CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad The toss confirmed that the great wicketkeeper-batsman is still not fit enough to return to action.
The game took on heightened emotional significance as it marked Chennai Super Kings’ final home match of the IPL 2026 league stage. Thousands of supporters wearing Dhoni’s jersey packed the stands in anticipation of a memorable evening, especially as rumors of Dhoni’s possible comeback continued to spread on social media throughout the day.
MS Dhoni continues to struggle with injury in IPL 2026
Dhoni did not play a single match during IPL 2026 due to fitness related setbacks. The former CSK skipper initially suffered a calf strain during the pre-season preparations, which kept him out during the initial stages of the tournament. While fans were hopeful of a mid-season return, the injury reportedly worsened during rehabilitation.
To make matters worse, it is also believed that Dhoni suffered a thumb injury during a practice session ahead of CSK’s clash against Lucknow Super Giants. Since then, the veteran cricketer has stayed away from active participation and continued his recovery programme.
Interestingly, despite missing every match this season, Dhoni’s arrival at Chepauk on the match day created huge excitement in the Chennai crowd. Till now, he has either stayed in the team hotel or been in rehabilitation during both home and away matches.
Ruturaj Gaikwad reveals why Dhoni is not playing in Chepauk
Former coach and commentator of India at the time of toss Ravi Shastri The question asked that every fan wants answered – will Dhoni finally make a comeback. Gaikwad addressed the situation directly after winning the toss and electing to bat first. While confirming that Dhoni will not play in the match, the CSK captain hinted that a comeback later in the season could still be possible.
“He’s still here, but he’s not fit enough to play this game. Hopefully we win this match and you never know the last game.” Gaikwad said in the toss.
The statement immediately sparked new excitement among CSK supporters, many of whom interpreted it as a sign that Dhoni could potentially make a comeback for the team in the final league stage if they remain in the playoff race.
Also read: Before CSK vs SRH match, Virender Sehwag made sharp comment on Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy.
CSK aim to keep playoff hopes alive
Apart from Dhoni’s story, this match holds great importance for Chennai Super Kings. Defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad will badly affect their playoff hopes, making this match a knockout match of sorts.
Gaikwad’s decision to bat first also attracted attention as it was the first time in IPL 2026 that the captain who won the toss in Chennai decided to set the target. The CSK captain said that the surface looked dry and some dew was expected in the evening, so batting first seemed to be the better option.
He also clarified that CSK is targeting a strong score around 200 runs to put pressure on Hyderabad in a high-stakes match.
