Will MS Dhoni play tonight in the SRH vs CSK clash of IPL 2026?
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
MS Dhoni travelled with CSK to Hyderabad for clash against SRH in IPL 2026.
The 27th match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is shaping up to be a massive night. Both teams are sitting on the exact same record, two wins and three losses from five games, meaning tonight’s game is essentially a must-win for both camps.
SRH finally seem to have found their mojo back after a slow start. They’re fresh off a dominant 57-run win over a previously unbeaten Rajasthan Royals (RR), a game where they unleashed two incredible uncapped quicks, Praful Hinge and Sakib Husain. Watching them rip through the RR’s top order to leave them 9 for 5 was a total game-changer for SRH, and they will be coming into tonight with a lot of confidence.
CSK’s journey to this point has been a lot more of a rollercoaster. The five-time champions suffered three straight losses right at start before finally making a comeback against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC). Even so, they are still stuck down in eighth place.
Sanju Samson has been the best batter since joining the side, basically carrying the batting with a huge 115* against Delhi and a crucial 48 against KKR. On the flip side, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad just hasn’t got going yet. But despite what’s happening on the pitch, the only thing fans in Chennai and across India are actually talking about is: ‘will MS Dhoni play tonight?
Will MS Dhoni play in SRH vs CSK clash of IPL 2026?
Dhoni has been out since the very start, nursing a calf injury he picked up during pre-season training. The team actually confirmed he’d miss the first 5-6 games just two days before IPL 2026 kicked off.
Since then, he’s been watching from the hotel and showing up to training, even looking pretty comfortable taking throwdowns from the coaches lately, which is a good sign, even if it hasn’t been enough to get him back on the field yet.
Dhoni travelled with the squad to Hyderabad on Thursday, and the scenes at the airport were wild, with fans mobbing the bus and chanting his name. It’s the first time he’s travelled for an away game all season, which is a massive hint. While CSK haven’t officially put him in the XI yet, you don’t usually see him travel unless he’s right on the verge of playing.
Reports from The Indian Express suggest his official comeback might be saved for the MI game at Wankhede on April 23, but tonight in Hyderabad is still very much on the table. There might be a slight chance that he might play. But considering his age and long tournament ahead, the franchise wouldn’t want to rush him.
Why has MS Dhoni been missing from the CSK playing XI so far in IPL 2026?
He has been sidelined since the start of the tournament due to a calf muscle injury sustained during a pre-season training camp.
Is MS Dhoni expected to play in tonight’s match against Sunrisers Hyderabad?
While he travelled with the squad for the first time this season, reports suggest his official return is more likely for the Mumbai Indians fixture on April 23.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
Where passion meets insight — blending breaking news, in-depth strategic analysis, viral moments, and jaw-dropping plays into powerful sports content designed to entertain, inform, and keep you connected to your favorite teams and athletes. Expect daily updates, expert commentary and coverage that never leaves a fan behind.