Chennai Super Kings have received a major morale boost ahead of their decisive final league-stage match against Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 season. Batting coach Michael Hussey delivered the update every CSK supporter was eagerly waiting for regarding legendary skipper MS Dhoni.
Dhoni has been sidelined with a thumb injury and missed recent games. Hussey confirmed that while the former India captain will not be available for the must-win clash in Ahmedabad, he is expected to rejoin the team if CSK successfully qualify for the playoffs.
MS Dhoni Availability Update: Will he play for CSK again?
Hussey clarified Dhoni's current status and future prospects with the squad.
"I can confirm he is not here with the team, but if we do happen to qualify, then he will definitely join back up with the team. He
has got a bit of a sore thumb, so it is recovering nicely, but he would not be ready for this match. But hopefully, if we can manage to get through to the playoffs, then hopefully he will be alright," he said.
A win against the strong Gujarat Titans side would take CSK to 14 points, but they will still require favourable results from other remaining matches to secure a top-four spot.
Following a disappointing loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad that significantly complicated their playoff path, Hussey acknowledged the team's low mood but emphasised the need to move on quickly.
"Obviously, it has made it more difficult for us to get through to the top four. Individually, everyone will take a few little learnings from it, but we have to move on quite quickly. We were all very disappointed, obviously, after the match. "
"We were a bit flat in the dressing room. But the coach spoke to us about, OK, come on, we have got one more game, one more chance, so we have got to make sure we move on from this very quickly. It is all about our attitude moving forward," he concluded.
