MS Dhoni Leaves CSK Camp, Returns to Ranchi With Thumb Injury

CSK batting coach Michael Hussey confirmed MS Dhoni will not play against GT due to a thumb injury.

MS Dhoni did not travel with the Chennai Super Kings squad for their IPL 2026 league match against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on May 21. The former CSK captain returned to Ranchi after suffering a sore thumb.

CSK batting coach Michael Hussey confirmed the development before the match at Narendra Modi Stadium. Hussey said MS Dhoni’s thumb injury is improving but the veteran wicketkeeper-batter will not recover in time for the GT clash. However, he also expressed hope that Dhoni could rejoin the squad if Chennai qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs.

“I can confirm Dhoni is not here with the team, but if we do happen to qualify, then he’ll definitely join back up with the squad. He’s got a bit of a sore thumb. It’s recovering nicely, but he won’t be ready for this match. If we can manage to get through to the playoffs, then hopefully he’ll be alright,” Hussey said.

Notably, MS Dhoni remained with the Chennai Super Kings squad during their recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Dhoni had attended the team’s official photoshoot and later joined players during the lap of appreciation after CSK suffered a 5-wicket defeat.

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Chennai Super Kings Face Must-Win Situation

Michael Hussey also admitted the loss badly hurt the team’s playoff hopes. He said the dressing room looked flat after the defeat, but coach Stephen Fleming reminded players they still had 1 more opportunity left.

“It was disappointing, especially in front of our home fans. Obviously, it’s made it difficult for us to get through to the knockouts. Everyone will take lessons from it, but we’ve got to move on quickly. We were a bit flat in the dressing room. The coach [Stephen Fleming] spoke to us about having one more game and one more chance. It’s all about having the right attitude moving forward,” he continued.

As of now, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad have already qualified for the playoffs. CSK currently sit 7th with 12 points from 13 matches.

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Chennai now face Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad tonight. A defeat will officially eliminate them, while a victory will move them to 14 points and keep their slim playoff hopes alive.