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

Sunil Gavaskar has ruled out MS Dhoni's participation in tonight's CSK vs SRH IPL 2026 game.

Updated on: May 18, 2026, 12:04:48 IST

Written by Aditya Bhattacharya

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With Chennai Super Kings (CSK) playing their last home game of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) tonight, fans are expected to flock to Chepauk with just one hope: to see MS Dhoni in action. The five-time IPL-winning captain has yet to play this season, but after once saying that his farewell game would be at Chepauk, hopes of Thala finally taking the field against Sunrisers Hyderabad tonight are high.

MS Dhoni during a practice session ahead of the match (PTI)

However, Sunil Gavaskar believes that it’s unlikely to happen. The legendary cricketer feels Dhoni himself would opt out, as his inclusion could disrupt the team combination with CSK still alive in the playoff race. Sitting fifth in the table, CSK remain in contention for a final-four berth, and with the side having done reasonably well without Dhoni, Gavaskar feels his return is improbable.

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

“Looks tough. Because this is a crucial game for CSK to progress. A win is a must. He hasn’t even played a single game, and he wouldn’t want to play this match. Because if he can’t perform, CSK might struggle. He is a team man and a team player. I don’t think he will play. Even I am disappointed. No Indian would want to see him not play. I just feel that perhaps the injury that he sustained, he has yet to recover entirely,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

Player or just a special attraction?

Even if MS Dhoni does not play, it is believed that the legend will be present at the stadium, offering fans at least a glimpse of their favourite superstar. His training session with the team has raised hopes, but as has been the case throughout the season, nothing is guaranteed yet. Dhoni has been synonymous with Chepauk ever since becoming an IPL icon. After retiring from international cricket, his appearances have become even more special, with the IPL the only stage where fans can watch him play. In the past, Dhoni has been reluctant to travel with the team due to injuries, but that’s not the case this time. His absence from Chepauk, after all, would be a major disappointment for fans.

Dhoni was initially ruled out of the IPL for the first two weeks because of a calf injury. But as the tournament progressed, several reports emerged, some suggesting that he had suffered a second injury before recovering from the first. Even then, head coach Stephen Fleming never gave up hope of Dhoni returning. However, with only two league games left, CSK are unlikely to take a risk with him. And if he does not play tonight, it will almost certainly mark the end of his IPL season.

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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