Chennai Super Kings’ Rotoraj Gaikwad, right, and MS Dhoni (PTI photo)
Chennai Super KingsThe final home game of IPL 2026 against Sunrisers Hyderabad has sparked huge speculations about whether MS Dhoni Can make a surprising comeback, but Sunil Gavaskar Cold water has been poured on the possibility. MS Dhoni Having not featured in a single match this IPL season, CSK confirmed before the tournament that he was recovering from a calf strain. It was initially expected to be a short recovery period that extended to the entire league stage so far, forcing him out of all CSK fixtures. Still, with CSK playing their last home game in Chepauk and still alive in the playoff race, the emotional narrative surrounding a potential appearance has intensified. The context is further reinforced by Dhoni’s old comment from 2021, when he hinted that his last T20 could come in Chennai, adding emotion to an already high-stakes fixture. However, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has vehemently dismissed any expectation of Dhoni’s return to the match, insisting that the risk outweighs the emotion in a winning contest.Speaking on JioStar, Sunil Gavaskar addressed the speculation surrounding MS Dhoni’s possible return in CSK’s final home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Gavaskar said, “The match against SRH is very important for CSK. It is their last home match in Chepauk, so naturally the fans want to see MS Dhoni play.” However, he was quick to highlight Dhoni’s prolonged absence, adding, “But he has not featured at all this season. In fact, he has not played competitive cricket for over a year. So I doubt he would want to take such a risk at this stage.” He further stressed the importance of match preparation, saying, “You need players who are match fit and have been playing regularly for the last six weeks.” Gavaskar also highlighted Dhoni’s team-first mentality, saying, “Dhoni is a complete team man. I don’t think he would want to disrupt the existing mix.Concluding his view, he clarified his stance: “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 playoff race. They have to win this match at all costs, and bringing in a player who hasn’t played in over a year can be a gamble.” CSK’s playoff equation is straightforward but demanding — two wins from their last two matches would take them to 16 points, keeping them firmly in the race, though qualification will depend on other results coming their way. For now, though, Gavaskar’s assessment makes one thing clear: despite the sentiment, Dhoni’s return to Chepauk today looks highly unlikely.
