CSK: Dhoni leaves team, returns home; to miss final league match!

Chennai: Former Chennai Super Kings captain and wicketkeeper-batter Mahendra Singh Dhoni has not played a single match in the ongoing season. While it was anticipated that MS Dhoni, who has been nursing injuries, might feature in the second half of the tournament, he remained on the sidelines for all 13 matches played so far. It has now been confirmed that he will miss the final league match as well.

According to ESPNcricinfo, MS Dhoni has returned to his home in Ranchi and will miss Chennai Super Kings' final IPL 2026 group-stage match against Gujarat Titans on Thursday.

Dhoni did not feature in a single game for CSK this season after suffering a pre-season calf muscle injury. Although he had recovered from that setback, a fresh thumb injury kept him out of action for the last few matches. Reports indicate that Dhoni did not travel with the squad ahead of the must-win clash against GT.

CSK needs to win this match and rely on other results to secure the final playoff spot. They currently occupy the sixth position on the IPL points table.

CSK batting coach Michael Hussey confirmed that Dhoni is currently not with the squad. He added that if the team qualifies for the playoffs, Dhoni might rejoin the setup.

"I can confirm that he is not with the squad at the moment, but if we qualify, he will definitely rejoin the team. He is in some pain but is recovering well; however, he won't be ready for this match.

If we manage to reach the playoffs, we hope he will join the team," Hussey said.