Chennai: Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes MS Dhoni is unlikely to return for Chennai’s crucial league match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, stating that the team’s playoff ambitions should take precedence over sentiment and emotion.

With Chennai Super Kings preparing to play their final home fixture of the season at Chepauk, anticipation among supporters has continued to grow over the possibility of seeing Dhoni make an appearance.

The five-time title-winning captain has not featured in a single game during the ongoing season due to a calf injury, but speculation surrounding his possible return has remained strong ahead of the important encounter.

Dhoni’s possible return sparks excitement

Fans are expected to turn up in large numbers at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in the hope of seeing Dhoni return to the field.

The veteran wicketkeeper-batter had earlier suggested that whenever his farewell match takes place, he would prefer it to be at Chepauk. Those remarks intensified speculation regarding a possible appearance in the home fixture.

However, uncertainty over his fitness has continued to raise questions about whether he will take part in the match.

Dhoni remains one of the most celebrated figures in the history of the league and any suggestion of a return naturally generates significant excitement among supporters.

Gavaskar says team balance matters most

Gavaskar believes Dhoni himself would not want to disrupt the current team combination during an important stage of the tournament.

CSK are currently placed fifth on the points table and remain firmly in the race for a playoff berth after improving their campaign with three wins from their last five matches.

Following a difficult start to the season, Chennai have managed to revive their chances of reaching the top four.

Speaking on the situation, Gavaskar suggested that Dhoni would prioritise the team’s needs ahead of personal emotions.

He stated that the match carries considerable importance and adding a player who has not participated in any game this season could affect the team’s rhythm.

Gavaskar also described Dhoni as a player who always places team interests ahead of individual considerations.

Injury concerns continue around Dhoni

The former India batter also expressed disappointment over the possibility of Dhoni missing the match.

He indicated that the former captain may still be recovering from the injury that has kept him out of action this season.

Supporters continue to hope for a return, particularly because uncertainty remains regarding whether Dhoni will play another season in the future.

For many fans, the ongoing season may represent one of the final opportunities to watch him play at Chepauk.

Playoff race remains open

Gavaskar also shared his views on the wider playoff battle and suggested that several teams remain in contention.

He pointed out that inconsistent results among competing teams have kept qualification scenarios open.

Gavaskar also referred to Punjab Kings, who recently suffered another defeat, but stated that they still remain in contention because of the unpredictable nature of the points table.

According to him, the qualification battle remains wide open and several teams still have opportunities to strengthen their position with positive results in the remaining matches.

As Chennai prepare for a crucial encounter, attention will remain focused on whether Dhoni returns to the field or whether the team continues with its existing combination in its pursuit of a playoff place.