‘I’d be very surprised’: Sunil Gavaskar questions MS Dhoni’s Chepauk comeback in must-win CSK clash

Chennai Super Kings’ Ruturaj Gaikwad, right, and MS Dhoni (PTI Photo)

Chennai Super Kings IPL 2026 final home match against Sunrisers Hyderabad has sparked huge speculations on whether MS Dhoni could make a surprise return but Sunil Gavaskar has poured cold water on the possibility. MS Dhoni has not featured in a single match this IPL season, with CSK confirming ahead of the tournament that he is recovering from a calf strain. A short rehabilitation period was initially expected to be extended over the entire league phase so far, leaving him out of all CSK matches. Still, with CSK playing their last home game in Chepauk and still alive in the playoffs, the emotional narrative of a possible exit intensified. The context is further bolstered by Dhoni’s old remark from 2021 when he hinted that his last T20 could come in Chennai, adding sentiment to an already high-profile fixture. However, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has strongly played down any expectations of Dhoni’s return to the game, stressing that the risk outweighs the sentiment in a must-win game.Sunil Gavaskar on JioStar addressed the speculations about MS Dhoni’s possible return in CSK’s last home match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Gavaskar said, “The match against SRH is crucial for CSK. It is their last home match at Chepauk, so naturally the fans want to see MS Dhoni play.” But he was quick to point out Dhoni’s long absence, adding: “But he hasn’t turned up at all this season. He hasn’t actually played competitive cricket for over a year. So I doubt he would want to take that risk at this stage.” He went on to stress the importance of match fitness, saying: “You need players who have been fit and have played regularly for the last six weeks.” Gavaskar also highlighted Dhoni’s team orientation, saying, “Dhoni is a complete team man. I don’t think he wants to disrupt the current combination.”He concluded by making his opinion clear, “I would be very surprised if he plays against SRH. This is a must-win game for CSK. A win keeps them alive in the playoffs. They have to win this game at all costs and bringing in a player who hasn’t played in over a year could be a gamble.” CSK’s equation for the play-offs remains simple but challenging – two wins from their last two matches would take them to 16 points and keep them firmly in the race, although qualification will still depend on their continued success. But for now, Gavaskar’s assessment makes one thing clear: despite the emotions, Dhoni’s return to Chepauk today seems highly unlikely.