GT vs CSK, IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) may have been dealt with a psychological blow ahead of their must-win clash as MS Dhoni has reportedly left the camp and returned to Ranchi. With the Super Kings slated to face the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium and needing to win whatever chances remain to keep their playoffs chances alive, the 44-year-old will not be available for them.
GT vs CSK, IPL 2026: MS Dhoni might still return but reportedly only on one condition
Even before the start of the 2026 edition, Dhoni has been keeping the fans guessing about whether or not he will play in the season. At the start of the tournament, it emerged that the veteran was nursing a calf strain, forcing him to miss the start of the competition. But the weeks to follow saw the former Super Kings captain bat, keep and even bowl in the field. But the management didn’t slot him in the playing XI. There were strong suspicions of Dhoni featuring against the SunRisers Hyderabad since not only he travelled to the ground but also because it was the Super Kings’ final home fixture of the season. Nevertheless, Ruturaj Gaikwad announced at the toss that Dhoni was not fit to play. It is likely to be the first season where Dhoni will not play any game.
MS Dhoni has returned home to Ranchi from Chennai. He won’t be in Ahmedabad for CSK’s final league fixture tomorrow. He will, however, rejoin the squad if the stars align and they make the playoffs.
— Shashank Kishore (@captainshanky) May 20, 2026
Now, according to journalist Shashank Kishore, Dhoni has left Chennai and returned to his hometown of Ranchi. However, he will return for the Super Kings only on one condition.
“MS Dhoni has returned home to Ranchi from Chennai. He won’t be in Ahmedabad for CSK’s final league fixture tomorrow. He will, however, rejoin the squad if the stars align and they make the playoffs.”
