MS Dhoni comeback talk dismissed by Gavaskar ahead of SRH's must-win game

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes that MS Dhoni is unlikely to return to Chennai Super Kings for their crucial IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, insisting that the team’s progress in the playoffs must come before emotion and sentiment.

With CSK playing their last home match of the season at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, fans are expected to turn up in large numbers hoping to finally see Dhoni in action this season.

The five-time IPL-winning captain has not played a single match in IPL 2026 due to a calf injury, but the anticipation surrounding his possible return only intensified before the clash against SRH.

Dhoni had earlier hinted that his farewell match, whenever it happens, should ideally be in Chepauk, which only fueled speculation about a possible Monday night appearance.

Gavaskar, however, feels that the former ČSK captain would avoid a return in such a tough match himself, especially with Chennai still firmly in contention for the playoffs.

CSK are currently fifth in the IPL 2026 points table and remain in contention for a top-four finish after winning three of their last five matches.

The turnaround has revived their campaign after a poor start to the season and Gavaskar believes Dhoni would not want to upset the established combination in what is essentially a must-win game.

“It looks tough. Because it’s a crucial match for CSK to progress. A win is a must. He hasn’t played a single match and he wouldn’t want to play this match. Because if he can’t play, CSK might be in trouble. He is a team man and a team player. I don’t think he will play,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.

The batting great admitted that he too would like to look at Dhoni’s return to the field, but suggested that the veteran wicket-taker may still not be fully fit.

“Even I am disappointed. No Indian would want to see him not playing. I just feel that maybe the injury he suffered is yet to fully recover,” Gavaskar added.

For CSK fans, the SRH match could potentially be the last chance to watch Dhoni in Chepauk, especially with no certainty that he will be back for another IPL season next year.

Meanwhile, Gavaskar also weighed in on Punjab Kings, who suffered their sixth straight defeat after losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday. Despite the poor run of form, Gavaskar believes that Punjab still have a real chance of making it to the play-offs due to the inconsistent results of the rival teams.

“I wouldn’t be surprised to see Punjab Kings in the playoffs because teams like Rajasthan Royals are doing their best not to qualify. They lost this match against Delhi from a winning position and if Rajasthan continue to lose from winning positions then all Punjab have to do is win their next match. That would take them to 15 points which could be enough,” he said.

Gavaskar further pointed out that the play-off race remains wide open and many teams are still mathematically alive.

“Sunrisers are ahead of Punjab and CSK can still reach 14 or even 16 points. But if CSK lose one match then Punjab have a very real chance of qualifying,” he added.

– The end

Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

18 May 2026 13:40 IST