Dhoni Skips CSK’s Final Home Game as Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Injury Persists
- Nishadil
- May 19, 2026
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MS Dhoni out of Chennai Super Kings’ last home match; Gaikwad still not fit
Chennai Super Kings will play without skipper MS Dhoni in their final home fixture, while Ruturaj Gaikwad’s recovery remains uncertain.
It’s a quiet morning at the Chepauk, but the buzz in the dressing room tells a different story. The captain’s hat will stay on the bench for CSK’s last home match of the IPL season – MS Dhoni, still nursing that nagging thigh issue, has been ruled out.
When you’ve watched the legend lead the side for more than a decade, you expect him to be the first name on the team sheet, especially in a high‑stakes game. Yet the medical staff, after a thorough check, decided it’s best to let the injury heal fully. It’s a decision that, while disappointing for fans, feels like the responsible call.
Adding another layer of uncertainty is the team’s top‑order batter, Ruturaj Gaikwad. The young star has been in and out of the squad after a strained hamstring slowed him down earlier in the tournament. Updates from the physio suggest he’s still not 100 percent – the soreness lingers, and the team prefers caution over a rushed comeback.
Coach Stephen Fleming, ever the pragmatist, has been juggling the lineup, trying to maintain balance without both the veteran skipper and the in‑form opener. The hope is that other senior players, like Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali, can shoulder the responsibility and keep CSK competitive.
For the supporters, it’s a mixed bag. The stadium will miss Dhoni’s charismatic presence, and the uncertainty around Gaikwad adds to the tension. Still, the spirit of cricket endures – the crowd will chant, the players will battle, and somewhere beyond the boundary ropes, the hope of a win remains alive.
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