Michael Hussey Reveals Why MS Dhoni Isn’t Attending CSK Matches

MS Dhoni is not attending the CSK matches, as Michael Hussey revealed, because he wants the team to stay focused without distractions.

Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey has explained why MS Dhoni has stayed away from CSK matches during IPL 2026 while recovering from a calf injury.

Hussey said the 44-year-old chose not to attend games to avoid drawing attention away from the team. He noted that Dhoni’s presence often shifts focus, with cameras and crowd reactions centered on him rather than the players on the field.

Despite staying away from the stadium, Dhoni remains closely involved. Hussey confirmed that he continues to follow matches from home and supports the squad off the field.

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“He hasn’t been coming. He’s such a team-oriented guy. He always wants what’s best for the team, and he was worried that if he came, there’d be a bit too much of a distraction. Obviously, the cameras would be on him a lot. The crowd would be cheering for him and things like that. And he really wanted the team to just be able to go about their job, do our thing,” Michael Hussey was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

“Whether that’s right or wrong, that’s not my decision to sort of make. But that’s the thinking with Dhoni not wanting to come to the matches. Obviously, he’s been watching very closely back home. I personally love having him around the dressing room. He offers so much wisdom. He offers so much confidence to the rest of the guys,” he added.

CSK Sit 6th After 8 Matches in IPL 2026

In the tournament, Chennai Super Kings face a mixed campaign and sit 6th on the table after 8 matches. The side has 3 wins and 5 losses, recovering from 3 early defeats before finding form in April.

CSK beat the Delhi Capitals by 23 runs on April 11, the Kolkata Knight Riders by 32 runs on April 14, and the Mumbai Indians by 103 runs on April 23. They also suffered losses to Rajasthan Royals on March 30 by 8 wickets, Punjab Kings on April 3 by 5 wickets, Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 5 by 43 runs, Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18 by 10 runs and Gujarat Titans on April 26 by 8 wickets.

CSK next face the Mumbai Indians on May 2, the Delhi Capitals on May 5, the Lucknow Super Giants on May 10 and May 15, the Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 18, and the Gujarat Titans on May 21.