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CSK supporters were somewhat disappointed after MS Dhoni’s omission from the playing eleven for the crucial IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

 

In Chepauk, the spectators were really looking forward to watching MS Dhoni play his last game at his home ground. Unfortunately, however, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad announced at the toss that Dhoni wouldn’t be available for the match due to an injury.

 

CSK, winning the toss, opted to bat first – it looked like a crucial game for both teams. For Chennai, the victory was essential for survival in the playoff battle, which could go wrong with a small mistake.

 

Ruturaj Gaikwad shares update on MS Dhoni

 

During the toss, Gaikwad explained why Dhoni wasn’t taking part, and also mentioned a single change in the XI.

 

Ruturaj Gaikwad said at the toss:

 

“He's still here, but he's not fit enough to play this game. Hopefully we win this one, and you'll have a low in the last game. We got just one chance. Akeal comes in for Gurjapneet.”

 

The CSK captain also went into their plan after deciding to bat first at Chepauk.

 

He Added:

 

“We are looking to bat first. Well, it's nothing complicated, it's just simple for us. Take it one game at a time, look to win this one, look to start well, look to assess the conditions well, and put your best foot forward. Well, nothing, not as such, it's just that we have to respect conditions and choose what's best for the conditions. And yes, I think batting first looks good here now.”

 

Retirement chatter around MS Dhoni starts again

 

Dhoni skipping CSK’s previous home match, and now again missing the final one, revived the retirement conversations among cricket fans. Over the years, Chennai supporters backed Dhoni in a big way, and lots of people expected him to turn up at Chepauk one more time this season. Even earlier, the ex-CSK captain had said he’d want to play his last T20 match in Chennai.

 

But now he is 44, and the retirement talk has come back even louder. People inside the ground were hoping Dhoni would walk out and play, yet the injury sidelined him from this huge clash. And even though he wasn’t in the playing XI, Dhoni stayed with the squad for the game, like he was still there in spirit if not in action.

 

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Big match for CSK and SRH, both chasing playoff spots

 

This match mattered a lot for both Chennai and Hyderabad in the IPL 2026 table.

 

Before the game, CSKsat fifth with 12 points from 12 matches. After a tough start, the five-time champions looked like they found rhythm again in the second half of the tournament. SRH meanwhile showed up in third place with 14 points from 12 games. A win here against CSK would boost their chances of finishing inside the top four.

 

And if Chennai beat Hyderabad, CSK would reach 14 points and keep themselves right in the thick of the playoff race, before their final league game versus Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on May 21.