There were expectations that the great MS Dhoni will finally make his first appearance in the ongoing IPL 2026 on Monday, May 18, when Chennai Super Kings (CSK) host Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their must-win clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Dhoni has not played a single match for Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing IPL 2026, but fans are waiting for him with great excitement. The former Indian captain has been ruled out due to a calf injury he sustained during the pre-season training camp.
MS Dhoni gives hope to Chennai Super Kings fans with intense net session but ends in disappointment
But ahead of Chennai Super Kings’ crucial home match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the 44-year-old was seen practicing seriously in the nets and looked completely focused during the session. Before hitting the nets, Dhoni first spent time in stretching and warm-up exercises.
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Later, the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman started batting practice with Prashant Veer. He first faced throwdowns and later practiced against spin bowlers for about 30 minutes. The way Dhoni was hitting the ball, everyone got excited to see him in action in the iconic yellow outfit at Chepauk.
Big shock for CSK fans, MS Dhoni out of SRH match
But now a latest update shows that the Chepauk crowd will once again have to return disappointed. It is being said that Dhoni is expected to be present at the MA Chidambaram Stadium only for the fans, but he is unlikely to take the field against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
A journalist from RevSportz shared that MS Dhoni has suffered a fresh injury, injuring his thumb, and that is why he will not play in the SRH clash as well. The CSK icon is expected to return to the yellow color next season.
MS Dhoni will come to the stadium today, but his chances of playing the match are slim (thumb injury) He will come on the field for the Chennai fans.
It is possible that he will play next season pic.twitter.com/4uW5HtiSrv
– Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) 18 May 2026
Many more to follow…