Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, match number 33, will be against Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The two most successful franchises of IPL will face each other on April 23 at the Wankhede Stadium. Former CSK captain MS Dhoni can participate in the El Clasico game of cricket.
Dhoni, who was out of action after suffering a calf injury during pre-season training, is on the verge of returning to full fitness, reports Indian Express. CSK will next play against Sunrisers Hyderabad, although it is unclear whether Dhoni will travel with the team or not.
MS Dhoni will play against MI
MS Dhoni has not been traveling with the team during their away matches, and he was not even seen in the dugout in CSK’s last home game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He is staying in the hotel and has been seen in practice sessions. When facing throwdowns, he showed no discomfort.
Yesterday evening, ahead of the last encounter against KKR, the former CSK skipper trained with batting coach Mike Hussey but did not face any frontline bowlers. He also worked with left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmed before the KKR match.
MS Dhoni’s inclusion will help Ruturaj Gaikwad
However reports suggest that MS Dhoni, who has been working hard to regain his fitness at the age of 44, is set to play the crucial match against five-time winners Mumbai Indians. CSK and MI have not had a good start in IPL 2026; They are currently placed 8th and 9th respectively in the table.
Once Dhoni arrives, he can also guide former India captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has looked confused at times during the defeat in this IPL. MS Dhoni has been a fantastic leader for CSK and has also helped young captains like Virat Kohli during his time with the India national cricket team and is now doing the same with Gaikwad.
If Dhoni comes then the question will arise that who is the batsman or all-rounder who will leave the team? He played as an impact player last season and fans are expecting a similar role this season too.
Ruturaj Gaikwad needs to find form
Despite a bad start, CSK has now won two consecutive matches by defeating Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. However, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is struggling with form as he has not scored many runs in this tournament, with a high score of just 28 runs at an average of 12.
Gaikwad is captaining well; However, their batting needs to perform well as they are short of runs. The opener’s strike rate has also declined this season, with him trying to play the role of an anchor rather than being aggressive. Once Gaikwad comes into form, CSK will look like a different team in this IPL, but at the moment they are short of time.
Many more to follow…
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