Former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra has given a strong suggestion ms dhoni Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will not play in their last home match of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, May 18.
Chopra has ruled out the possibility of the former captain playing against SRH as CSK still have an outside chance of qualifying for the playoffs. He could have played in Chepauk on Monday if the five-time champions had already sealed their place in the last four or were mathematically out of the race. Super Kings would not like to replace Dhoni with a promising young player like Prashant Veer or Karthik Sharma.
“If you are thinking that I am going to (Chennai) because it could be Mahi's last game, I don't think it will be Mahi's last game because I don't think Mahi will play. MS Dhoni will not play. I think he is fit and available, but either the team should qualify or be out. However, if you are stuck in the middle, he is not going to play, because why should the team combination be bad? A young player should be out only. Have to go. Let them play. Let them play,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
It is noteworthy that Dhoni was seen batting. Chennai Super Kings Net session at MA Chidambaram Stadium before the match against SRH. However, there is still doubt over his availability on Monday.
Dhoni suffered a calf injury before the start of the 2026 IPL season and is yet to play for CSK. The 44-year-old has traveled with his team on several occasions, with the management in no rush to bring him back into the playing eleven.
As things stand, CSK are fifth in the standings, having collected 12 points from as many matches this season. They were on a three-match winning streak before suffering a crushing defeat at the hands of Lucknow Super Giants in their last match.
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