CSK’s playoff hopes hinge on final fixture as Dhoni ruled out by thumb injury
With the franchise sitting sixth on the points table, a victory in Ahmedabad is mathematically necessary but insufficient without favourable outcomes elsewhere.
Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey has confirmed that veteran player MS Dhoni will miss the team’s final Indian Premier League 2026 league-stage fixture against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. The absence is attributed to a thumb injury that has kept the wicketkeeper-batter away from the squad during the current campaign.
Hussey provided a direct assessment of Dhoni’s status ahead of the Thursday match, stating, “I can confirm he is not here with the team, but if we do happen to qualify, then he will definitely join back up with the team.” He noted that while the injury is recovering nicely, the player would not be match-ready for the immediate contest.
The result of this final league game carries significant weight for the franchise’s postseason ambitions. Currently sixth on the points table with 12 points from 13 games, CSK requires a win to reach 14 points. However, securing a top-four finish will also depend on favourable results from other remaining fixtures across the league.
CSK enters the Ahmedabad clash following a period of poor form, having suffered consecutive defeats to the Lucknow Super Giants and the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The loss to the Sunrisers Hyderabad was particularly costly, with Ishan Kishan scoring a match-winning half-century to help chase down a target of 181.
Addressing the team’s morale following the defeat to the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Hussey described the dressing room atmosphere as “flat” but emphasised the need for a swift psychological reset. He noted that while the result was disappointing, the focus must shift immediately to the final opportunity to influence the standings.
“We were a bit flat in the dressing room. But coach spoke to us about, OK, come on, we have got one more game, one more chance, so we have got to make sure we move on from this very quickly,” Hussey said. He added that the team’s attitude in the remaining window would be critical to their survival in the tournament.
While the mathematical path to the playoffs remains open, the immediate challenge for CSK is to secure a victory against the Gujarat Titans. The outcome will determine whether Dhoni’s potential return in the knockout stages becomes a viable option for the franchise.
