For the eighth time in a row in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take to the field without MS Dhoni. The development came on Sunday when CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad mentioned the only change in Urvil Patel against Gujarat Titans.
Dhoni, who suffered a calf strain ahead of IPL 2026, was initially ruled out for two weeks on March 28. But it’s been almost a month since nobody saw Dhoni’s name in the CSK playing XI, not even in the impact list. In fact, Dhoni chose to stay in a hotel in Chennai.
“It (the pitch) is a bit on the drier side. We don’t mind scoring and defending it. Confidence is high. This game is starting from scratch. We have to evaluate. We are getting a little bit better and better. One or two areas we have to click through. I’m starting. One change. Urvil is coming,” Gaikwad told hurling host Simon Doull during the coin.
Dhoni was not even listed in the impact list.
Latest updates on MS Dhoni’s fitness
Earlier, during CSK’s IPL 2026 match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, former Australian batsman and current CSK batting coach Michael Hussey gave an in-depth insight into Dhoni’s latest fitness report. Hussey informed that Dhoni is progressing well as he has looked good with the bat at the nets and is working on his running between the wickets.
“Hopefully, maybe in the next few games. We also want him back as soon as possible. But obviously he needs to be almost 100% ready to be at his best. Because he’s been batting well in the nets. He looks good in the nets. He just needs to run hard between the wickets as well,” Hussey said.
The Australian also added that Dhoni will keep the wickets on his return, leaving Sanju Samson to play without the big gloves. “I’m pretty sure he’ll be behind the stumps. The biggest thing for him is he’s had a calf injury, it’s just a run and a late innings, if he comes in and has to bounce on ones and twos, he’s just got to make sure the calf is strong enough to take it,” added Hussey, who played for CSK in the IPL.
CSK vs GT playing XI
Gujarat Titans: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(w), Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Manav Suthar.
Chennai Super Kings: Sanju Samson (w), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Urvil Patel, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Jamie Overton, Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh
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