CSK vs SRH LIVE Score, IPL 2026: Is MS Dhoni Playing CSK-SRH Clash? Ravi Shastri Asks Ruturaj Gaikwad. His Reply

Ravi Shastri, at the toss, asks Ruturaj Gaikwad whether MS Dhoni is playing. Gaikwad reveals that Dhoni isn't playing, but says that he is with the team today. "The good news is he is with the team, but he is not fit enough to play," says Gaikwad.

We are just about 10 minutes away from toss time at the Chepauk Stadium. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Pat Cummins are set to lead CSK and SRH respectively. A massive crowd is expected today, with this being CSK's last home game and the match being a huge clash in the playoffs race.

In their previous meeting, CSK had used part-time off-spinner Matt Short against SRH's left-handed openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head. That moved backfired, as Short conceded 38 runs in 3 overs with no wickets. It'll be interesting to see whether CSK opt for a similar move today, or go ahead with their pacers. The five-time champions don't have a frontline offie in their squad.

With the season-ending injury to Jamie Overton, CSK have been left with a big headache over their playing XI. Last match, they dropped in-form spinner Akeal Hosein, but that move backfired. It'll be interesting to see what combination CSK go with today.

If Akeal returns, CSK might have to leave out Spencer Johnson and bring in an extra Indian bowler.

IPL 2026 has witnessed one of the closest playoffs races in recent memory. As it stands, 3 playoffs spots are still up for grabs, with 7 teams fighting for them. Punjab Kings, who won 6 of their first 7 matches, and Kolkata Knight Riders, who lost 5 of their first 6, can both end up on the same points now!

According to a report by The Indian Express, Dhoni has suffered a fresh thumb injury just hours ahead of the IPL 2026 match between CSK and SRH. That could see him ruled out of the match today. However, he is reportedly going to be at the Chepauk Stadium to attend the game.

MS Dhoni, at the age of 44, has not played a single match in the ongoing IPL season. The passionate Chennai crowd have kept waiting for their legendary skipper to play a game, but it is yet to happen. Today - ahead of CSK's last home game of IPL 2026 - a Dhoni quote from 5 years ago has resurfaced.

"I have always planned my cricket. The last game I played was in Ranchi. The last home game in ODI was at my hometown in Ranchi. So, hopefully, my last T20 will be in Chennai. Whether it's next year or in five years' time, we don't really know," Dhoni had said, 5 years ago.

Click here to read article