For the first time in the history of this storied franchise, the Chennai Super Kings went through an extended period of games without MS Dhoni being in the squad. With his return around the corner, how will CSK look with the legendary wicketkeeper/batter in the playing XI in their upcoming match against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians? What will be the CSK playing XI with Dhoni?
Before the start of the season, the 44-year-old Dhoni suffered an injury, a rare occurrence for him. While in the CSK pre-season practice camp, the former franchise captain suffered a calf strain.
Initially, it was reported that the injury would keep MS out of action for about two games. However, just before the start of IPL 2026, this period was extended to about a month of him being out of the playing XI.
Team officials, including head coach Stephen Fleming, have claimed that the discretion of his return date is all in Dhoni’s hands. Which means that the veteran will only take to the field when he feels he is comfortable.
Dhoni wasn’t even part of the Super Kings’ practice sessions for the side’s first six games of the season. It appears that he was healing and recuperating from the injury away from the field.
But now, right before the upcoming match against the Mumbai Indians, MS Dhoni has been spotted at the CSK practice camp. This suggests his return to the playing XI as early as the game against MI.
The five-time champions have struggled with form this season. The Chennai-based team lost their first three matches of the season convincingly against the Rajasthan Royals, the Punjab Kings, and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Then came back-to-back wins against the Delhi Capitals and the Kolkata Knight Riders before a defeat in their most recent game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
CSK has also experimented with several team combinations. From giving youngsters like Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma a chance to experimenting with their overseas bowling options. However, one constant has been the top order, consisting of Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre, and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Samson is a crucial part of Dhoni being a part of the playing XI. In the absence of the former World Cup-winning captain, the 31-year-old has been the side’s primary wicketkeeper. Will that change with MS Dhoni’s return to the side? Most likely not.
Despite (most likely) having recovered from his calf injury, at his age, Dhoni will have trouble returning to his 100%. Calf in a muscle that is strained while wicket-keeping. So, while Dhoni might make a return to the CSK playing XI, Samson will most likely keep the gloves behind the wicket.
CSK Playing XI vs MI
And so, here is the expected CSK playing XI against MI with MS Dhoni being in it. He will most likely play the role of an impact sub, either being part of the playing XI as a finisher if the team bats first or being brought in as a substitute towards the end of a chase. Here is the likely CSK playing XI for their next match –
Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni, Jamie Overton, Anshul Kambhoj, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary, Gurjapneet Singh*
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