For the ninth match of the ongoing IPL season, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk tonight (May 2). Ahead of the match, like previous CSK matches in the series, there was speculation regarding MS Dhoni’s availability for the match.
Will MS Dhoni play? Questions remain before the CSK vs MI match. As always, there is no direct answer. Ahead of the match, the 44-year-old keeper-batsman trained with the team at the nets and also took part in batting practice. But even on the day of the match, doubts remain over him.
MS Dhoni practices in the nets before CSK vs MI match
Over the past few days, CSK shared several pictures and videos capturing various moments from their training for the match against Mumbai Indians. He has also shared a batting video of MS Dhoni, where we can see the keeper-batsman hitting the ball for a big hit.
MI captain Hardik Pandya was watching MSD bat behind the CSK nets. As the icon made sweet connection between bat and ball, Pandya turned his head and walked away.
This is so cute! 💛🥹 #whistlepoddu #CSKvMI pic.twitter.com/GVaejL0Z5S
– Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) 1 May 2026
Will Dhoni play tonight?
Hours before the match, RevSportz shared a report on Dhoni’s availability for the CSK vs MI match. According to the report, it is not decided yet whether Dhoni will play or not. The final decision is expected around 5 pm.
The media report claimed, “Mystery remains over MS Dhoni’s participation in the IPL match against MI in Chepauk today. He has not told anything to the CSK management yet. Sources say it will be known only around 5 pm when the team finally leaves for the field.”
Breaking!
Mystery continues over MS Dhoni’s participation in the IPL match against MI in Chepauk today. He has not told anything to CSK management yet. Sources say that this will be known only around 5 pm when the team finally leaves for the field. #CSKvMI
– RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) 2 May 2026
Ahead of the IPL 2025 season, the franchise reported that the former keeper had injured himself during one of his practice sessions, and he will be out of the first few games of the IPL 2026 season. Chennai Super Kings have already played 8 matches this season and Dhoni is yet to play his first match in IPL 2026.
It was later reported that he had injured his shin, and this would have forced him to stay away from competitive sports for a significant period of time.
CSK coach reveals Dhoni’s fitness status!
Ahead of the CSK vs MI match, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey also mentioned Dhoni’s calf muscle injury. He also pointed out that the batsman is trying to increase his running speed between the wickets.
“Once he feels confident in his calf, I am sure he will signal that he is ready to go. At the moment, we are guided by him. We are waiting. I think the whole of Chennai is waiting,” he further added.
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