The game carried added emotional significance as it marked Chennai Super Kings’ final home fixture of the IPL 2026 league stage. Thousands of supporters wearing Dhoni jerseys filled the stands expecting a memorable evening, especially after rumours of a possible return had spread across social media throughout the day.

MS Dhoni’s injury struggles continue in IPL 2026

Dhoni has not featured in a single game during IPL 2026 due to a series of fitness setbacks.

The former CSK skipper had initially suffered a calf strain during pre-season preparations, which kept him out during the opening phase of the tournament. While fans remained hopeful about a mid-season comeback, the injury reportedly worsened during rehabilitation.

To make matters worse, Dhoni is also believed to have sustained a thumb injury during a practice session ahead of CSK’s clash against Lucknow Super Giants. Since then, the veteran cricketer has remained away from active participation and continued his recovery programme.

Interestingly, despite missing every match this season, Dhoni’s arrival at Chepauk on matchday created massive excitement among the Chennai crowd. Until now, he had either stayed at the team hotel or remained in rehabilitation during both home and away fixtures.

Ruturaj Gaikwad reveals why Dhoni is not playing at Chepauk

At the toss, former India coach and commentator Ravi Shastri asked the question every fan wanted answered — whether Dhoni would finally make his return.

Gaikwad, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, addressed the situation directly. While confirming that Dhoni would not feature in the match, the CSK skipper hinted that a comeback later in the season could still be possible.

“He’s still here, but he’s not fit enough to play this game. Hopefully we win this one and you’ll never know in the last game,” Gaikwad said at the toss.

The statement immediately sparked fresh excitement among CSK supporters, many of whom interpreted it as a hint that Dhoni could potentially return for the team’s final league-stage fixture if they remain in playoff contention.

CSK aim to keep playoff hopes alive

Apart from the Dhoni storyline, the match itself carried huge importance for Chennai Super Kings. A defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad would severely dent their playoff hopes, making this clash a virtual knockout encounter.

Gaikwad’s decision to bat first also attracted attention as it marked the first time in IPL 2026 that a captain winning the toss in Chennai chose to set a target. The CSK skipper explained that the surface looked dry and with little dew expected later in the evening, batting first appeared to be the better option.

He also made it clear that CSK were targeting a strong total around the 200-run mark to put pressure on Hyderabad in a high-stakes contest.