After a disappointing start to the Indian Premier League 2026 season, Chennai Super Kings are preparing for their second match and first home game against Punjab Kings on Friday, April 3, Friday at the M. Chidambaram Stadium. However, one big question remains in existence, will MS Dhoni play today? The legendary wicketkeeper-batter was seen practising ahead of the CSK vs PBKS clash.
Chennai Super Kings lost their opening match to Rajasthan Royals by eight wickets,at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, with 47 balls to spare. They were without MS Dhoni, who had opted out due to a calf strain. Before the season began on March 28, it was announced that Dhoni would be unavailable for around two weeks as he undergoes rehabilitation.
Will MS Dhoni Play CSK vs PBKS match today?
Despite the injury setback, Dhoni was seen training before the first match as well, but was not included in the playing XI. Now, with him again spotted practising, fans are hopeful, though Thala is still expected to remain sidelined within the prescribed recovery timeline.
Kodiyil Oruvan! 🦁💛#WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/SuztJYGNzr
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 1, 2026
In Dhoni’s absence, CSK will be looking to bounce back strongly. The addition of Dewald Brevis could provide a boost, as he appeared in good touch during net sessions and looks ready for selection.
In their previous game at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, CSK suffered a batting collapse after being put in to bat. They were bowled out for just 127 runs in 19.4 overs, with Jamie Overton top-scoring with 43 off 36 balls. Rajasthan’s bowling attack, led by Nandre Burger (2/26) and Jofra Archer (2/19), dismantled the top order early.
Yuziiii!
Long time no see 💛🫂#WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/Ik4HRAR5VF— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 2, 2026
Rajasthan Royals chased down the target comfortably in just 12.1 overs. The surprising story of the match was 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who made headlines with a sensational 52 off just 17 balls.
CSK vs PBKS Playing XIs:
Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Sanju Samson (WK), Ayush Mhatre, Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry
Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (C), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak/Harpreet Brar, Yuzvendra Chahal
