Sunil Gavaskar believes MS Dhoni is unlikely to return for Chennai Super Kings in their crucial IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, insisting that CSK’s playoff hopes must come before emotion or sentiment. With Chennai set to play their final home game of the season at Chepauk, excitement among fans has reached another level, as supporters continue to hope for one final appearance from Dhoni in yellow this season. The five-time IPL-winning captain has not played a single match in IPL 2026 due to a calf injury, but speculation around his comeback has only intensified ahead of the high-pressure encounter against SRH.
Dhoni had previously hinted that, whenever his farewell game takes place, he would ideally like it to be at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. That statement alone has fuelled enormous anticipation among CSK fans, many of whom are expected to pack the stadium hoping to witness the legendary wicketkeeper-batter return to action.
However, Gavaskar feels MS Dhoni himself would avoid making a comeback in such an important game, especially when Chennai are still strongly competing for a playoff spot. CSK currently sit fifth on the IPL 2026 points table after reviving their campaign with three wins in their last five matches following a difficult start to the season.
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According to Sunil Gavaskar, Dhoni’s team-first mindset makes it unlikely that he would risk disrupting a settled combination in a must-win fixture. “Looks tough. Because this is a crucial game for CSK to progress. A win is a must. He hasn’t even played a single game, and he wouldn’t want to play this match. Because if he can’t perform, CSK might struggle. He is a team man and a team player. I don’t think he will play,” Sunil Gavaskar said.
The former India captain admitted he would personally love to see MS Dhoni back on the field, but suggested the veteran may still not be fully fit after suffering the injury earlier in the season.
“Even I am disappointed. No Indian would want to see him not play. I just feel that perhaps the injury that he sustained, he has yet to recover entirely,” Sunil Gavaskar added. For many CSK supporters, the SRH clash could potentially become the final chance to watch MS Dhoni at Chepauk, especially with uncertainty surrounding his future beyond IPL 2026.
Meanwhile, Gavaskar also spoke about the Punjab Kings and their playoff chances despite suffering a sixth straight defeat against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The batting legend believes Punjab still remain alive in the race because several rival teams have failed to capitalise on winning positions.
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“I wouldn’t be surprised to see Punjab Kings make the playoffs because teams like Rajasthan Royals are doing their best not to qualify. That would take them to 15 points, which might be enough,” Sunil Gavaskar said.
He further stressed that the IPL 2026 playoff race remains completely open with multiple teams still mathematically in contention for a top-four finish.
