Mahendra Singh Dhoni has reportedly left for Ranchi on the same day Chennai Super Kings are set to play Gujarat Titans in their final league-stage match of IPL 2026. According to ESPNCricinfo, the former CSK captain checked out of the team hotel and returned to his hometown. He is expected to rejoin the squad only if CSK somehow qualify for the playoffs.

Later, CSK batting coach Mike Hussey confirmed that Dhoni will miss the important clash in Ahmedabad because of a fresh thumb injury. The injury also explains why Dhoni was seen with heavy tape on his thumb during CSK’s recent game against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Interestingly, that was the only match this season where Dhoni came out onto the field in front of the Chepauk crowd.

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For CSK fans, Dhoni’s exit feels like the final chapter of a difficult season. The 44-year-old has not played a single match in IPL 2026 because of a calf injury he suffered just before the tournament began. Now, the thumb problem has made things even worse.

Although Dhoni stayed with the team during home games and remained a strong presence in the dugout, fans never got to see him in action. Instead of wearing match gear, he spent the season in training clothes, leaving a huge gap in the CSK middle order.

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The emotional moment came earlier this week at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium after CSK lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad by five wickets. As part of the traditional lap of appreciation, Dhoni walked around the ground despite carrying multiple injuries and greeted the fans, many of whom felt it could be his farewell appearance at Chepauk.

Will MS Dhoni feature in IPL 2027?

During the lap, Dhoni met his close friend and former teammate Suresh Raina, who was at the venue for broadcasting duties. Later, Raina shared a private conversation that has given CSK supporters some hope about Dhoni returning for IPL 2027.

"I told him, 'You have given IPL 2026 a missed call. It won’t count. You have to come back next year,'" Raina said on Star Sports.

Dhoni replied by talking about his fitness struggles, but Raina continued to remind him how badly fans want to see him again. In response, Dhoni simply smiled and said, "Let me see."

Raina believes that answer could mean Dhoni may still try to make a comeback next season.


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