CSK vs LSG, IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni continues to be on the sidelines as captain Rutruaj Gaikwad announced that they are going with an unchanged side in the IPL 2026 game against the Lucknow Super Giants at the M.A Chidambaram Stadium or the Chepauk. Reportedly, Dhoni was not even spotted on the ground ahead of the Super Kings’ crucial match on Sunday afternoon.
CSK vs LSG, IPL 2026: Will MS Dhoni play any of Chennai Super Kings’ remaining games?
Having played all 18 seasons, the former Super Kings skipper is yet to play a game this season and would have joined the elite class of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Manish Pandey to feature in at least one fixture in all 19 editions. But Dhoni’s calf injury forced him to miss the first part of the season and was slated to resume playing from the second phase. While Dhoni has been batting and keeping at nets, hinting at returning, the Super Kings’ management have opted to keep him out of the side. Ahead of the clash against the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, bowling coach Eric Simons said, as quoted by The Print:
“Update on MS Dhoni is way above my pay grade. He’s not with us (in Delhi), but steadily improving. He’ll be ready when he’s ready, and he knows when he’s ready to play.”
CSK vs LSG, IPL 2026: Where are the Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants placed on the points table?
The Super Kings are currently sixth in the points table with five wins and as many losses but have plenty of work to do to reach the playoffs. As for the Super Giants, they are languishing at the bottom of the points table with only three wins in 10 matches. While a loss to the Super Kings would mean the end of their playoff hopes, even winning all their remaining games may not be enough to reach the top four.
Nevertheless, both Super Kings and Super Giants are coming off wins in their previous matches.
