Is MS Dhoni retiring? Revealed - Why CSK players took group photo amid SRH clash in IPL 2026
(Courtesy : Twitter)
MS Dhoni did not play in the CSK vs SRH clash on May 18.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are battling with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their last home game of the Indian Premier League 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on May 18. Their last league game will be against Gujarat Titans in the league stage.
Notably, MS Dhoni was present at the stadium but did not feature in the match. He has not played any games in the tournament so far. CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and opted to bat first.
After the end of the first innings, CSK players took a group photo inside the stadium. Dhoni was also present with his teammates. The activity surprised many fans and some of them were confused if the event marked Dhoni’s retirement from IPL.
Why CSK players took a group photo during the clash against SRH in IPL 2026?
At the end of every season, teams take a group photo at the home stadium. It is generally captured during the last league match at the home venue. Hence, CSK players were just taking a group photo and the activity had nothing to do with Dhoni’s retirement.
Meanwhile, Dhoni has not played any games in IPL 2026 so far. He was ruled out of the initial games due to a calf injury. Even after recovering from his injury, he stayed away from the field. CSK management has not revealed the exact reason for his ouster. Some reports claimed that he does not want to disturb the current team combination.
Speaking about the match, the hosts piled up 180/7 in the first innings. Sanju Samson (27) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (15) got out cheaply once again. Middle-order batters Kartik Sharma (32) and Dewald Brevis (44) added crucial runs on the board.
Chennai registered a good run-rate in the first 10 overs; however, they failed to fire in the second half. Pat Cummins clinched a three-wicket haul, while Sakib Hussain took two scalps.
Did MS Dhoni play in CSK vs SRH clash?
No, Dhoni is not part of the clash.
What was CSK’s total in the clash against SRH?
CSK posted 180/7 in the first innings.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.