MS Dhoni showed why he remains one of the most watched cricketers in the world at the age of 44. The great Chennai Super Kings landed in Hyderabad to a roaring reception reserved only for the game’s elite. It felt like the fans had gathered to welcome the World Cup winning team with hundreds of people coming to cheer the batsmen on the wickets.
Dhoni traveled to an away match for the first time in the IPL 2026 season, raising hopes of his return to action. Initially sidelined for two weeks with a groin injury, he joined the Super Kings squad that flew from Chennai to Hyderabad on Thursday afternoon ahead of their IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, scheduled for Saturday.
While a small group of fans cheered him on boarded the team bus from the CSK hotel in ChennaiDhoni’s arrival in Hyderabad created a massive frenzy. Tight security was in place as Dhoni and his family traveling with him were safely escorted out of the airport.
Dhoni understandably did not stop at interacting with the fans.
His wife Sakshi shared videos of the carnival atmosphere at the Hyderabad airport after their arrival in the city.
In one of her videos, fans are seen running towards the Super Kings team bus with their phones in hand, trying to capture a photo of Dhoni, who had taken his usual seat reserved for him in the bus.
Dhoni has missed the first five matches of the IPL 2026 season and is currently recovering from a groin injury that kept him sidelined. It remains to be seen if the wicketkeeper-palter will take the field for Chennai Super Kings against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
However, this is the first time this season that Dhoni has traveled with the team for an away match. The former captain did not travel to Guwahati and Bengaluru where the Super Kings lost to Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru respectively earlier in the campaign.
DHONI AS IMPACT PLAYER VS SRH?
The Super Kings management is clearly cautious not to rush back their finisher on his return from a recurring injury. While he only faced throwing during recent sessions in Chepauk, franchise trailers and reports suggest he is entering the final stages of his rehabilitation.
If Dhoni turns up, he is a prime candidate for the Impact Player role. This tactical move would allow him to deliver his signature finish in the late innings without the physical strain of sustaining 20 overs. Experts suggest this “short burst” strategy is ideal for his recovery and allows him to focus purely on aggressive hitting during high-pressure chases.
CSK has finally found its rhythm on the pitch. After a worrying three-game losing streak to start the season, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s side are currently on a two-match winning streak as they secured clinical victories over Delhi Capitals and KKR.
The integration of Dewald Brevis and Akeal Hosein stabilized a combination that looked shaky in March. However, the momentum is there eased by the loss of pacer Khaleel Ahmedwho was ruled out for the season today with a quadriceps tear, making Dhoni’s potential return an even bigger morale booster for the eighth team.
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Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
16 Apr 2026 21:24 IST
