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IPL 2026 has seen 52 games played out of 70 in the league phase. Even now all 10 teams are in contention for the top four spots to enter the Playoffs. One name that has been absent from this edition despite being expected to play is MS Dhoni. Dhoni has not played a single one of the 10 games in which CSK have taken part.

Time and matches are running out for MS Dhoni to play his 19th season, But because he did not play so many marches, he is also in danger of losing a major IPL record. CSK have four matches left and it remains to be seen if Dhoni plays. Should CSK enter the Playoffs they can play another two to three games but it is not clear if ‘Thala’ shall take part.

© X/IPL

The record that Dhoni is in danger of losing is that most IPL appearances. Dhoni is stuck on 278 games because he is yet to play in this season. This allowed a couple of players to close the gap. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have come within touching distance of the record.

Rohit, who is playing his 19th season as a capped player, missed five matches for MI due to injury but was able to rise from 272 to 277 and take second place. While Dhoni turns 45 this year, Rohit just became 39. So, ‘Hitman’ is well poised to break the record.

© X/IPL

‘King’ Virat Kohli also has come on the cusp of the record as he has played all 10 games this season for RCB. So, his tally jumped from 267 to 277. He also is in 2nd place along with Rohit as they race each other in a bid to break Dhoni’s record.

Match 53 will see CSK take on LSG and Match 54 is between MI and RCB. If Dhoni plays vs LSG, he will go to 279 while Kohli and Rohit are expected to face off and go to 278. Should Dhoni not play and the other two do, all three of them will be on 278. Who will end up with the record by the time IPL 2026 ends? That remains to be seen.