IPL 2026: MS Dhoni likely to travel with CSK squad for must-win match against LSG

Excitement is building within the Chennai Super Kings camp as legendary former captain MS Dhoni is likely to travel with the squad to Lucknow ahead of their crucial IPL 2026 clash against Lucknow Super Giants on May 15.

Chennai Super Kings sit fifth on the IPL 2026 points table with six wins and five defeats from 11 matches. After enduring a disastrous start to the campaign with three consecutive losses, the five-time champions have staged an impressive recovery by winning six of their last eight games.

Much of CSK’s resurgence has been powered by Sanju Samson, who has emerged as the team’s standout batter this season with 304 runs, including two centuries. Under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad and head coach Stephen Fleming, CSK have once again placed themselves firmly in the playoff conversation. Young pacer Anshul Kamboj has also impressed with the ball, leading the side’s wicket charts with 14 scalps this season.

Dhoni, who has been sidelined throughout the season due to a calf injury, has travelled sparingly with the squad this year. The CSK icon has accompanied the team for only two away fixtures, against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians, and has also remained absent from several home matches at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

However, according to the Cricbuzz CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed that the franchise has booked Dhoni’s ticket on a commercial IndiGo flight along with the rest of the 60-member travelling contingent for Lucknow. While the management remains hopeful, there is still uncertainty as Dhoni could make a last-minute decision regarding the trip.

The former India captain is yet to feature in a single IPL 2026 match, but anticipation around a possible comeback has continued to grow. With CSK still in contention for a playoff berth, there is increasing belief that Dhoni could make at least one appearance in the franchise’s remaining three league-stage fixtures, against Lucknow Super Giants on May 15, Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 18, and Gujarat Titans on May 21.

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With the playoff race tightening, CSK are likely to need at least two wins from their final three league games to safely reach the 16-point mark, traditionally considered enough for qualification.

Their remaining fixtures are:

May 15: vs Lucknow Super Giants (Away)
May 18: vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Home)
May 21: vs Gujarat Titans (Home)