MS Dhoni available for the LSG vs CSK IPL 2026 match. Here's the update
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Thanks to the Mumbai Indians' splendid victory over the Punjab Kings, the Chennai Super Kings' path to the playoffs has now opened up. Consequently, on Friday, May 15, the Chennai Super Kings team will take the field against the Lucknow Super Giants with the firm intention of securing a win and breaking into the top 4. This match is scheduled to be played at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. This will be the second straight meeting between the two teams. Last week, CSK defeated LSG by 5 wickets at Chepauk, and now LSG will want to take revenge for that defeat in their home.
However, the biggest question remains: will MS Dhoni play in this match, or will he once again be left out of the Playing XI? Due to a calf injury, MS Dhoni has not been able to play a single match in the IPL 2026 season so far. Fans have been eagerly waiting to see him in action since the very beginning of the IPL, but their wish has yet to be fulfilled.
Nevertheless, amidst this wait, several videos of Dhoni's practice sessions have surfaced; furthermore, the captain, coach, and other members of the management have consistently provided updates on Dhoni, stating that he is recovering and will soon be seen playing. With only three matches remaining for CSK, fans are becoming increasingly eager to see Dhoni on the field. If CSK succeeds in qualifying for the playoffs, the team could potentially get to play a few more matches.
The likelihood of Dhoni being included in the playing XI has increased significantly because CSK's star all-rounder, Jamie Overton, has been ruled out of the remaining matches of IPL 2026 due to an injury to his right thigh and has returned to his home country, the United Kingdom (UK). In his place, South African all-rounder Dian Forrester has joined the CSK squad for the remainder of the IPL 2026 season.
According to some reports, Dhoni could be the one to replace Overton. However, it remains to be seen how Ruturaj Gaikwad adjusts the team combination following Overton's exit and accommodates MS Dhoni in the CSK playing XI. Former CSK star Ravichandran also indicated that a finisher may replace Jamie Overton in the playing XI against LSG. However, he didn’t mention any particular name, but cricket fans are relating this post to MS Dhoni’s name.
Have a sneaky feeling that we may see a finisher come in place of Overton for CSK tomorrow.🤞
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) May 14, 2026
Let’s see #CSKVLSG
A few reports also suggest that MS Dhoni was initially scheduled to travel alongside the CSK contingent for the LSG vs CSK IPL 2026 match, but later decided against making the trip. This, if true, would be a big blow for fans who have been desperately looking forward to seeing the veteran in action.
With 12 points from 11 games, the Chennai Super Kings are presently in fifth place in the standings. They will advance to third or fourth place if they triumph over LSG. However, a loss will reduce their prospects of making the playoffs.
