Aakash Chopra does not think MS Dhoni will turn out for Chennai Super Kings in their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, even though Dhoni was seen batting in the nets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium during CSK’s training session.
Chopra’s reasoning
On his YouTube channel, Chopra said Dhoni is fit and available but is unlikely to feature unless CSK have either qualified for the playoffs or been mathematically eliminated. With the team in the middle of a close qualification fight, he expects management to keep its settled combination rather than drop a young player such as Prashant Veer or Kartik Sharma to make room for the veteran.
Dhoni’s season so far
Dhoni has been out since a calf injury before the 2026 IPL and has yet to play a match this year. The 44-year-old has travelled with the squad throughout the tournament, but the franchise has been careful about his comeback. His appearance in the nets excited fans, though it remains unclear whether he will return.
CSK’s standing
The five-time champions are fifth with 12 points from 12 matches. They had won three in a row before an unexpected loss to Lucknow Super Giants in their last outing. With playoff hopes alive, attention will be on whether CSK surprise everyone by picking Dhoni in front of the Chepauk crowd.
