‘Bhai khel le Dhoni’: Harbhajan promises to drag MSD to the ground if he doesn’t show up tonight; Ashwin also gives up

Harbhajan Singh runs out of options as MS Dhoni's participation remains a mystery.

Updated on: May 18, 2026, 15:15:14 IST

Written by Aditya Bhattacharya

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Will he, won’t he? MS Dhoni seems to be the name on everyone’s mind as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) prepare for their final home game of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Monday night. Dhoni has remained absent from the IPL – first because of injury and then, apparently, due to team combinations – and with CSK needing to win their remaining two league matches, even the smallest factors matter. From a fan’s perspective, few things bring greater joy than watching Dhoni play, but the reality is that even if he is fit, returning to the playing XI without having featured in a single game could hurt the team balance.

Still, Harbhajan Singh refuses to give up hope. The former India spinner, who shared some of Indian cricket’s biggest triumphs, including two World Cup wins, with Dhoni, is making every last-ditch effort to see Thala in yellow and, more importantly, back on the field. Because if he doesn’t, Harbhajan has playfully threatened to drag his former captain onto the ground himself.”

Also Read: IPL 2026 – ‘My last T20 will be in Chennai,’ MS Dhoni's retirement shadow looms over CSK's final league game

“See, he had said he will play his last match in Chennai in front of the crowd. So the time has come to do it. This is CSK’s last match on home ground, so it’s quite possible that we may see Thala play possibly for the last time. If he doesn’t play, that means he will return next year. Will say the same thing. You never know with him. Bhai khel le Dhoni (Please play, Dhoni). Else, I will drag you to the crowd.”

Also Read: MS Dhoni’s CSK return hopes dashed by Sunil Gavaskar even as Chepauk waits with bated breath

Ashwin, Chopra convinced Dhoni not playing

Another former India spinner, who made his debut under Dhoni, Ravichandran Ashwin, is convinced that MSD will not turn up tonight, while adding fuel to speculations that next year could be the legend’s return and retirement from IPL. “Not happening today! In 2027? Maybe,” he posted on X.

It is evident that Dhoni is no longer in the kind of discomfort he was a month ago. He has been training with the team in the nets and appears sharper with every video CSK shares. Which is why the reason behind his continued absence may now simply boil down to team combination, a point Aakash Chopra has also highlighted.

“If you are thinking that I am going (to Chennai) because this could be Mahi's last match, I don't think this will be Mahi's last game because I don't think Mahi will play. MS Dhoni is not going to play. I think he is fit and available, but either the team should qualify or get eliminated. However, if you are stuck in the middle, he is not going to play, as why should the team's combination be spoiled? A youngster only will have to go out. Prashant Veer plays. So let him play,” he said on his YouTube channel.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Bhattacharya
Aditya Bhattacharya is the Sports Editor at Hindustan Times Digital, with close to 15 years of experience in sports journalism. Over the course of his career, he has worked with leading media organisations including Cricbuzz, The Times of India, Network18 and Zee. Primarily a cricket writer, Aditya has covered several marquee events, including the 2016 ICC World T20, the 2019 ICC World Cup in England and the 2023 World Cup in India. His reporting portfolio also includes international cricket across England, South Africa and New Zealand, along with forays into tennis, including coverage of the Australian Open. He has interviewed several prominent athletes across sports. Aditya began his career with a brief stint at CricketNext before getting his first major break at Cricbuzz, where he was part of the Times Network’s startup venture GoCricket, which later merged with Cricbuzz. After nearly 18 months there, he moved to The Times of India, covering his first World Cup assignment and reporting first-hand on landmark moments such as Virat Kohli’s iconic innings against Australia in Mohali. During his three-year tenure, he played a key role in both reporting and desk operations and was recognised as TOI Employee of the Quarter in 2016. He later joined Zee, where he covered the 2019 World Cup across five venues in England—an assignment he considers a career highlight. At Hindustan Times, Aditya’s leadership came to the fore as he was promoted to lead the sports team within 18 months. Under his stewardship, the section has delivered extensive coverage of global sporting events, including the IPL, Olympics, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. In 2024, he was named HT DigiStar of the Year. Aditya continues to adapt to the evolving digital publishing landscape, with a sharp focus on search and audience engagement. Outside work, he occasionally plays the guitar and remains an avid gamer.Read More

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