According to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey, Mahendra Singh Dhoni will not play in their crucial final IPL league game against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Thursday due to an injury.
Due to a thumb injury, Dhoni, who hasn’t played this season, isn’t available for the game, but if CSK makes it to the playoffs, he might be able to participate, according to Hussey.
With 12 points from 13 games, CSK needs to defeat the Titans in their final league match and hope that other outcomes would help them earn a spot in the IPL 2026 playoffs.
“I can confirm he is not here with the team, but if we do happen to qualify, then he will definitely join back up with the team. He has got a bit of a sore thumb, so it is recovering nicely, but he would not be ready for this match. But hopefully, if we can manage to get through to the playoffs, then hopefully he will be alright,” Hussey said on Wednesday.
On Monday, during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai, Dhoni, 44, briefly appeared in CSK’s yellow jersey as he went out for the team photo.
Despite not being in the starting lineup, the five-time IPL champion captain’s presence on the field made an emotional evening unforgettable for CSK fans amid mounting rumors that this might be his last IPL season.
Due to ongoing fitness issues, the seasoned wicketkeeper-batter has now missed all 13 games this season.
Dhoni was sidelined at the beginning of the tournament due to a severe calf strain he sustained during pre-season training. He apparently had a thumb injury just as expectations of a comeback were rising, further postponing his return to competitive action.
Dhoni has supported players from the dugout and traveled with the CSK team during the season despite not playing.
