The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have received a massive setback just before their crucial IPL 2026 clash against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow on May 15. In a shocking update, MS Dhoni is reportedly not traveling with the CSK squad for this match.
MS Dhoni’s continuous absence from the ongoing IPL 2026 has become one of the biggest talking points of the season, as the legendary wicketkeeper-batter is still waiting to make his first appearance for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
CSK fans still waiting for MS Dhoni’s first IPL 2026 appearance in yellow
The former Indian captain reportedly suffered a calf injury during a training session just before the IPL 2026 season began. At first, the injury was not looking that serious, but as the tournament moved forward, CSK fans were still waiting for his first appearance in yellow this season.
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The biggest surprise for fans has been Dhoni’s limited presence around the team this season. Unlike previous IPL editions, where he was always seen travelling with the squad and guiding players from the dugout, the former CSK captain kept himself away from the spotlight this year.
Dhoni’s limited presence around CSK shocks fan
Dhoni has reportedly traveled for only two away matches this season—against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians. Even more surprisingly, the CSK legend has not been regularly present during several home matches at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium, leaving the fans disappointed.
It is being said that Dhoni has also avoided being part of the official match-day squads because he does not want unnecessary attention or distractions around the team while he is unavailable to play in the ongoing tournament.
CSK booked IndiGo ticket for Dhoni
Meanwhile, a Cricbuzz report had sparked massive excitement among the fans by revealing that the CSK team management has ‘booked a ticket' for Dhoni on a commercial flight along with the rest of the squad members for Lucknow.
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According to Cricbuzz, Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan said that the franchise has already booked MS Dhoni’s ticket on an IndiGo flight along with the rest of the team members traveling to Lucknow. However, there was still no final confirmation on his availability for their crucial IPL 2026 clash because he may take a last-minute call on the travel plans.
Big shock for CSK as MS Dhoni refused to travel to Lucknow!!
But now a Revsportz journalist revealed that the CSK icon did not travel with the team, sparking massive speculation among fans ahead of the must-win encounter against the Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Friday (May 15).
As mentioned by Viswanathan, Dhoni has reportedly changed his mind at the last minute and skipped travelling to Lucknow despite massive buzz across social media. There were hints that the legendary cricketer will play at least two games this season, and those may be against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 18 and Gujarat Titans on May 21—both at Chepauk.
Update - MS not traveling with the team - His tickets were done, his name was there
— Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) May 13, 2026
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As the playoff race is getting tougher, Chennai Super Kings will most likely need to win at least two of their last three league matches to reach 16 points to qualify for the playoffs.
