It has been almost a year since MS Dhoni last featured in competitive cricket, with the legendary wicketkeeper-batter missing a significant part of Indian Premier League 2026 due to injury. However, there is encouraging news for Chennai Super Kings fans ahead of their upcoming clash against Lucknow Super Giants on Friday, May 15.
Dhoni Likely To Travel To Lucknow
According to reports, Dhoni is expected to travel with the CSK squad to Lucknow for the away fixture against LSG. The veteran has frequently skipped away trips this season while recovering from injury, but sources suggest he is now nearing full fitness.
Dhoni suffered a calf muscle injury during CSK’s pre-season camp, which ruled him out of the early phase of IPL 2026. Despite not playing a single match so far this season, the former India captain has remained with the squad since March and has regularly taken part in practice sessions and intra-squad games.
Dhoni Retained By CSK For IPL 2026
CSK retained Dhoni as an “uncapped player” ahead of IPL 2025 for ₹4 crore, and the same retention was carried forward into IPL 2026.
In IPL 2025, Dhoni delivered a decent campaign with the bat, scoring 196 runs in 14 matches at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17.
Michael Hussey Explains Dhoni’s Absence
Michael Hussey, CSK’s batting coach, recently explained that Dhoni intentionally stayed away from matches to avoid becoming a distraction for the team.
“He’s such a team-oriented guy, MS Dhoni. 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,” Hussey said.
CSK’s Recent Form
CSK head into the Lucknow clash after a dominant five-wicket victory over LSG at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.
Young batter Urvil Patel stole the spotlight by smashing the joint-fastest half-century in IPL 2026 history, helping Chennai chase down the target comfortably.
After a poor start to the season that saw them lose three matches in a row, CSK have bounced back strongly and currently sit fifth in the points table.
