If we win today, then next game he will play : Ruturaj Gaikwad gives hint on MS Dhoni’s return in IPL 2026

The Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad provided a massive update on the availability of MS Dhoni at the toss time. He stated that if they win today against the Sunrisers Hyderabad then Dhoni will be included in the starting squad against the Gujarat Titans at Ahmedabad. He is present today at Chepauk as his last game as a player in CSK’s home ground. It will be an emotional ending for the veteran as he would have expected to end at a much higher note for his beloved franchise.

"MS Dhoni is still but he is not fit enough to play this game. Hopefully if we win today, then next game he will play,” said Ruturaj Gaikwad during the toss against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. MS Dhoni was initially sidelined for the first couple of matches due to a calf

injury and then he became available in terms of fitness. But Dhoni stated that he wasn't willing to take up the position of a youngster in the squad and disturb the winning combination. Despite being available in the remaining matches, it was a surprise that he wasn't included in any of the fixtures especially at home.

Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad confirmed that MS Dhoni will miss tonight’s high-stakes clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad [ Ms dhoni, Msd, thala, ruturaj Gaikwad, Chennai super kings, Csk, Ipl, Cskian, Whistle podu] pic.twitter.com/GKkd2trBJi

— SportsTiger (@The_SportsTiger) May 18, 2026

CSK eye a crucial win against SRH as playoff hopes stay alive

CSK have an important set of games remaining in the season with their playoff qualification on the line. The emotion of MS Dhoni leaving the franchise will definitely be a hard pill to swallow but they cannot prioritise it over the club’s progress. Even if they include MS Dhoni in the lineup, there will be a huge question on who will be benched considering different players stepping up for them in every game. The decision of the management is indeed a wise one and they will be hoping to secure a win today against SRH. However a win today will not guarantee their qualification in the playoffs with so many teams eyeing that spot.

Sanju Samson has been one of the most important batters in the batting unit as he has been their highest run-scorer. But today, he couldn't contribute as much as he would have liked as he was dismissed early on in the innings by Pat Cummins. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Urvil Patel will have to give them a solid start in the innings and set the foundation for a mammoth total on board. CSK will be confident with a total above 200 and at the Chepauk, they do have the bowling unit to defend the total as well. Noor Ahmad will be key to their plans in the 2nd innings as CSK will be hopeful of stealing the 2 points in their home ground against an in-form SRH.