There were hopes that the legendary MS Dhoni would finally make his first appearance of the ongoing IPL 2026 on Monday, May 18, when Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will host Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their must-win clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Dhoni has not played a single game for the Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing IPL 2026, but fans continue to wait for him with huge excitement. The former Indian captain has been out because of a calf injury that was sustained during the pre-season training camp.
MS Dhoni gives Chennai Super Kings fans hope with intense net session only to dissapoint
But before the Chennai Super Kings’ crucial home match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the 44-year-old was seen practicing seriously in the nets and looked fully focused during the session. Dhoni first spent time doing stretching and warm-up exercises before entering the nets.
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Later, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter started batting practice with Prashant Veer. He faced throwdowns first and later practiced against spin bowlers for almost 30 minutes. The way Dhoni was hitting the ball made everyone excited to see him in action in the iconic yellow at Chepauk.
Big blow for CSK fans as MS Dhoni ruled out of SRH match
But now a fresh update suggests that the Chepauk crowd will have to return once again 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 the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
A Revsportz journalist shared that MS Dhoni has suffered a fresh injury, hurting his thumb, and that’s why he will also miss the SRH clash. The CSK icon is expected to return in yellow next season.
Ms Dhoni will come to the stadium today, but the chances of him playing the match are next to none (thumb injury) He will come to the ground for the Chennai fans.
— Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) May 18, 2026
It's possible he might play next season pic.twitter.com/4uW5HtiSrv
Chennai Super Kings are fighting for their place in the IPL 2026 playoffs, but their situation has become very tough. They are currently at 6th place in the points table with 10 points. Now, they must win both their remaining league matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans to keep their playoff hopes alive.
MS Dhoni reveals big advice given to Ruturaj Gaikwad before IPL 2026
Meanwhile, MS Dhoni has finally opened up about the advice he gave to CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad before the ongoing season started. Dhoni revealed that he told Ruturaj to lead the team in his own style and make decisions freely.
Dhoni was quoted as saying by Republic India: “What I told Rutu was to run CSK the way he wanted to run it. That’s how I have run CSK for a very long time. And I always felt it’s a game where the captain has to make the decisions. Yes, there are coaches and support stuff, but it’s not like football where the manager decides. In cricket, it’s about the captain and he has to decide.”
He further added, “Yes, there will be certain things that he will pick from the from the way I used to lead. But individuals are different…Whatever you feel is your style, you have the full liberty over here to decide. I’m very open, I’ll come and talk to you, but you don’t have to do even one thing that I speak to you about. Let’s say I come up with ten pieces of advice, if you don’t follow even one, that is fair enough. When you are the leader, you have and how you want to use it.”
