MS Dhoni returns to Ranchi before CSK finale

Former Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni reportedly left for Ranchi on the same day CSK prepared to face Gujarat Titans in their final IPL 2026 league-stage match in Ahmedabad. Reports suggest Dhoni departed from the team hotel and returned to his hometown ahead of the crucial fixture. He is expected to rejoin the squad only if CSK qualify for the playoffs. The veteran wicketkeeper has mostly stayed away from away matches this season, except for a brief trip to Lucknow earlier in the tournament.

CSK batting coach Mike Hussey later confirmed that Dhoni picked up a painful thumb injury, ruling him out of the Ahmedabad clash. The injury explained why the former captain appeared with a heavily strapped thumb during CSK’s recent encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad. That match also marked the only occasion this season when Dhoni stepped onto the field at Chepauk in front of home supporters.

Dhoni’s IPL 2026 campaign has largely remained limited to the sidelines due to fitness concerns. A calf injury suffered before the start of the tournament kept him out of action for the entire season, while the fresh thumb problem further complicated his recovery. Although he regularly attended home matches and stayed involved with the team from the dugout, the five-time title-winning captain never featured in a single game for Chennai this year. His absence left a major gap in CSK’s batting order and leadership setup.

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Dhoni leaves for Ranchi before CSK’s final league game

After CSK’s five-wicket defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, the team completed its traditional lap of appreciation around the stadium. Despite dealing with multiple injuries, Dhoni joined the players to greet fans and acknowledge their support. The emotional moment sparked fresh speculation about his retirement, as many supporters felt they were witnessing a possible farewell appearance from the legendary cricketer in Chennai colours.

During the post-match celebrations, Dhoni met former teammate Suresh Raina, who attended the game as part of the broadcast team. Raina later revealed that he encouraged Dhoni to return for IPL 2027, joking that missing the current season should not count as a farewell. Dhoni reportedly responded with his trademark “Let me see,” leaving fans hopeful about another comeback. Raina interpreted the remark as a positive sign that the CSK icon could still aim for one more season.

Meanwhile, CSK’s playoff hopes remain extremely slim heading into their final league fixture. The franchise currently sits sixth on the points table with 12 points from 13 matches and a negative net run rate. Chennai must secure a dominant victory over Gujarat Titans and depend on several other results to enter the top four. If the qualification scenario fails to work in their favour, Dhoni’s quiet departure to Ranchi could eventually become the final chapter of one of the greatest careers in IPL history.

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