Chennai Super Kings are set to play their biggest game of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad at home on Monday, and are likely to have MS Dhoni back in their playing XI. CSK are seeking two big points at Chepauk (MA Chidambaram Stadium) to stay alive in the playoffs race, but fans will be hopeful to see the former captain at home one last time in IPL 2026.

MS Dhoni suffered a calf injury before the start of the tournament and was supposed to miss the opening two weeks. However, the persistent injury has kept him out of action in the first 12 matches of the season.

Without Dhoni, CSK struggled for a strong start and then lost key performers Ayush Mhatre, Khaleel Ahmed and Jamie Overton to injuries. However, the five-time champions remain in the hunt for the playoffs with 12 points in 12 games. But, now with two group-stage games remaining, and the playoff spot on the target, fans will be delighted to have MS Dhoni back in the field at Chepauk.

MS Dhoni to feature in CSK vs SRH game?

MS Dhoni is reportedly fit to make his return and held himself back against LSG in the last two matches to avoid disrupting the winning combination.

Prashant Veer has done nothing wrong at the No. 7 position, but with no more Jamie Overton at No. 8, the Super Kings will benefit from Dhoni’s finishing skills. But, will the 44-year-old play the last IPL 2026 game at Chepauk?

MS Dhoni was spotted training at the MA Chidambaram Stadium during the team’s practice session on Sunday. He also batted in the nets, facing spin bowlers and throwdowns for over half an hour.

There is no official update on Dhoni’s return timeline, but with CSK playing at Chepauk for the last time this season, we can expect a pleasant update from captain Ruturaj Gaikwad at the toss on Monday.

Dhoni to replace Prashant Veer in CSK’s predicted XI vs SRH?

If Dhoni makes his highly anticipated return, then Prashant Veer is the one who is likely to sit out against SRH. The young spin all-rounder hasn’t bowled this season, so it will be an easy decision for the management to swap him with Dhoni.

Spencer Johnson, who came in for injured Overton, is expected to keep his place in the team, but fans expect Akeal Hosein to return in place of pacer Gurjapneet Singh.

CSK XI vs SRH: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Urvil Patel, Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni, Noor Ahmed, Akeal Hosein, Spencer Johnson, Anshul Kamboj.

Impact player: Mukesh Choudhary