With MS Dhoni likely to return for Chennai Super Kings in their April 18 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, the franchise faces a delicate selection call over whether to alter a recently settled combination.
In Dhoni’s absence due to a calf strain, CSK have won just two of their first five matches, though signs of rhythm have begun to emerge. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter was seen batting in the nets ahead of the game against Kolkata Knight Riders at Chepauk, but was ultimately not risked, indicating he is still on the road to full fitness.
While concerns over MS Dhoni’s fitness persist, the bigger question for Chennai Super Kings is where he fits into a line-up that has finally begun to click. After a slow start, CSK have built momentum with back-to-back wins at home, reinforcing their reputation for sticking with a settled combination.
“The one thing about CSK is they’ve always been really reluctant to change anything when they start winning, and that’s a good space to be as a franchise as well. It gives players a lot of confidence that no matter how they’re performing, they like to back it up with consistency of selection,” Aaron Finch, former Australia captain and ESPNcricinfo expert, told India Today during Rivalry Week.
The 44-year-old Dhoni, however, was under scrutiny last season for pushing himself down the order despite the team being in situations that demanded his finishing ability. CSK endured a difficult campaign, finishing at the bottom of the table with just four wins from 14 matches.
“We saw last year he was batting down at number eight; he was quite happy to keep pushing others ahead of him until the very end. So maybe that becomes a really specific role for him when he does return,” Aaron Finch added, hinting at a possible Impact Player role for MS Dhoni.
Dhoni’s reluctance to promote himself in crunch situations was a recurring theme last season, leaving Chennai Super Kings exposed at the death. His finishing, once the team’s biggest strength, became a concern as he managed 196 runs in 14 games at a strike rate of 135.17. For a side that has long relied on his calm under pressure, Dhoni’s diminishing impact at the back end has now turned into a pressing challenge rather than a dependable asset.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
– Ends
Tune In
