New Delhi: Hopes of catching a glimpse of the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni in Chennai Super Kings’ final league stage match of IPL 2026 against Gujarat Titans were dashed on Thursday. Dhoni has not featured in a single game this season, marking the first time in IPL history that the former CSK captain has not played a single match for the franchise that has led him to five IPL titles.Dhoni’s absence from the clash against Gujarat Titans was not surprising, as CSK’s batting coach Michael Hussey had already confirmed that the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman is suffering from a thumb injury and will miss the crucial match.However, Hussey hinted that Dhoni could return if CSK qualifies for the playoffs. Dhoni also did not go to Ahmedabad for the match with the team.“Hopefully, if we can get to the playoffs, he’ll be fine,” Hussey said.
Dhoni’s IPL Journey
Dhoni was signed by CSK in the inaugural auction of the IPL in 2008 and has been the face of the franchise ever since.After a two-year suspension for CSK in 2016 and 2017, Dhoni left for Rising Pune Supergiants, the only other franchise he has represented in the IPL.In 278 IPL matches, Dhoni has scored 5439 runs at an average of 38.30, including 24 fifties.In his illustrious IPL career spanning 278 matches, Dhoni – who represented both Chennai Super Kings and Rising Pune Supergiants – had missed just five IPL matches before this season. Three of them came against Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2010, while the other two came against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians in 2019.As captain, he guided Chennai Super Kings to five IPL titles – 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023 as well as taking the franchise to a record 10 IPL finals.
Dhoni’s IPL Stats
| Tournament | Teams | Matt | The inn | runs | H.S | Ave | SR | The 50s | CT | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL | 2 teams. | 278 | 242 | 5439 | 84* | 38.30 | 137.45 | 24 | 158 | 47 |
| IPL 2025 | CSK | 14 | 13 | 196 | 30* | 24.50 | 135.17 | 0 | 6 | 5 |
| IPL 2024 | CSK | 14 | 11 | 161 | 37* | 53.66 | 220.54 | 0 | 10 | 0 |
| IPL 2023 | CSK | 16 | 12 | 104 | 32* | 26.00 | 182.45 | 0 | 7 | 3 |
| IPL 2022 | CSK | 14 | 13 | 232 | 50* | 33.14 | 123.40 | 1 | 9 | 0 |
| IPL 2021 | CSK | 16 | 11 | 114 | 18* | 16.28 | 106.54 | 0 | 13 | 0 |
| IPL 2020/21 | CSK | 14 | 12 | 200 | 47* | 25.00 | 116.27 | 0 | 15 | 1 |
| IPL 2019 | CSK | 15 | 12 | 416 | 84* | 83.20 | 134.62 | 3 | 11 | 5 |
| IPL 2018 | CSK | 16 | 15 | 455 | 79* | 75.83 | 150.66 | 3 | 11 | 3 |
| IPL 2017 | RPS | 16 | 15 | 290 | 61* | 26.36 | 115.99 | 1 | 10 | 3 |
| IPL 2016 | RPS | 14 | 12 | 284 | 64* | 40.57 | 135.23 | 1 | 8 | 4 |
| IPL 2015 | CSK | 17 | 17 | 372 | 53 | 31.00 | 121.96 | 1 | 8 | 3 |
| IPL 2014 | CSK | 16 | 15 | 371 | 57* | 74.20 | 148.40 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| IPL 2013 | CSK | 18 | 16 | 461 | 67* | 41.90 | 162.89 | 4 | 15 | 2 |
| IPL 2012 | CSK | 19 | 17 | 358 | 51* | 29.83 | 128.77 | 1 | 12 | 2 |
| IPL 2011 | CSK | 16 | 13 | 392 | 70* | 43.55 | 158.70 | 2 | 5 | 5 |
| IPL 2009/10 | CSK | 13 | 11 | 287 | 66* | 31.88 | 136.66 | 2 | 5 | 6 |
| IPL 2009 | CSK | 14 | 13 | 332 | 58* | 41.50 | 127.20 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| IPL 2007/08 | CSK | 16 | 14 | 414 | 65 | 41.40 | 133.54 | 2 | 6 | 0 |
