MS Dhoni surprised the Chepauk crowd by appearing on the ground during the mid-innings break in the Indian Premier League (IPL) clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and hosts Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday.

What happened?

Dhoni, who has not played a single game in IPL 2026 for CSK, entered the ground amid loud cheers for a team photoshoot. This was his first visit to the stadium in the ongoing season on a match-day.

Why it matters for MS Dhoni

The 44-year-old is yet to attain match fitness due to a calf strain, and although he is batting full tilt at nets, according to batting coach Michael Hussey, Dhoni is still not fit enough to play.

What comes next?

CSK will travel to Ahmedabad for their final league game against Gujarat Titans, and a win for Sunrisers Hyderabad will be enough to book a spot in the top four. Dhoni's presence with the squad on a match-day had raised hopes of him playing in front of the home crowd, but captain Ruturaj Gaikwad confirmed that he is not fit enough to play.

Dhoni watched the first innings from the dressing room itself, and after the photoshoot, he went inside the dressing room. The crowd was excited to see him, but he chose to keep a low profile for the rest of the game.

The match is a must-win encounter for CSK as far as their IPL 2026 playoffs hopes are concerned. Dewald Brevis top-scored with 44 as CSK posted 180/7 against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Pat Cummins was the pick of the bowlers with 4-0-28-3, while Sakib Hussain also chipped in with vital blows. The result of this match will be crucial in determining the top four teams in the IPL 2026 points table.

CSK's last game in Chepauk in IPL 2026 was on Monday, and the team will look to win this match to keep their playoffs hopes alive. Dhoni's fitness will be a key factor in their upcoming matches, and his presence with the squad is a positive sign for the team.

The IPL 2026 schedule is nearing its end, and the top teams are fighting for a spot in the playoffs. The IPL 2026 points table is tightly packed, and every match is important for the teams.

The crowd at the MA Chidambaram Stadium was excited to see Dhoni, and his presence added to the excitement of the match. Although he did not play, his presence with the squad is a positive sign for CSK.

The match between CSK and SRH was a closely contested one, with both teams giving their all. The result of this match will have a significant impact on the IPL 2026 points table, and the teams will look to win their upcoming matches to secure a spot in the playoffs.

Dhoni's injury has been a concern for CSK, and his fitness will be a key factor in their upcoming matches. The team will look to win their remaining matches to keep their playoffs hopes alive, and Dhoni's presence with the squad is a positive sign for the team.

The IPL 2026 schedule is available online, and fans can catch the live updates from the tournament. The IPL 2026 points table is also available, and fans can check the standings of their favorite teams.

The match between CSK and SRH was an exciting one, with both teams giving their all. The result of this match will have a significant impact on the IPL 2026 points table, and the teams will look to win their upcoming matches to secure a spot in the playoffs.

Dhoni's presence with the squad is a positive sign for CSK, and his fitness will be a key factor in their upcoming matches. The team will look to win their remaining matches to keep their playoffs hopes alive, and Dhoni's presence with the squad is a positive sign for the team.

The crowd at the MA Chidambaram Stadium was excited to see Dhoni, and his presence added to the excitement of the match. Although he did not play, his presence with the squad is a positive sign for CSK, and the team will look to win their upcoming matches to secure a spot in the playoffs.