“CSK Cannot Afford That Risk”: MS Dhoni Comeback Uncertain Before Must-Win CSK vs SRH

Sunil Gavaskar believes MS Dhoni is unlikely to return for Chennai Super Kings' crucial IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, despite growing anticipation around the legendary captain's possible comeback.

Speaking on Star Sports' Amul Cricket Live, Gavaskar suggested Dhoni would not want to risk disrupting CSK's balance in a must-win game after being out of competitive action for over a year.

"The match against SRH is a crucial one for CSK. It's their last home game at Chepauk, so naturally fans want to see MS Dhoni play," Gavaskar said.

"But he hasn't featured at all this season. In fact, he hasn't played competitive cricket for over a year. So, I doubt he would want to take such a risk at this stage."

Why MS Dhoni return has become a major talking point

CSK's playoff hopes are hanging by a thread heading into the SRH clash at Chepauk.

The five-time champions:

• currently sit on 12 points
• need victories in their remaining matches
• cannot afford another defeat

That has intensified speculation around whether Dhoni could return for Chennai's final home game of the season.

The former CSK skipper has not featured at all during IPL 2026 due to fitness concerns surrounding his calf and ankle issues.

Gavaskar says CSK cannot afford experiments now

According to Gavaskar, CSK's current situation makes it difficult to bring back a player who has not been match-ready throughout the tournament.

"You need players who have been match-fit and playing regularly for the last six weeks," Gavaskar explained.

"Dhoni is a complete team-man. I don't think he would want to disrupt the current combination."

The former India captain further stressed that emotional decisions cannot override competitive realities at this stage of the season.

"This is a must-win game for CSK. A victory keeps them alive in the playoff race. They have to win this match at all costs, and bringing in a player who hasn't played in over a year could be a gamble."

Chepauk crowd still hoping for MS Dhoni appearance

Despite the uncertainty, CSK fans continue to hope Dhoni may still make one final appearance at Chepauk this season.

The SRH fixture represents:

• Chennai's final home game of IPL 2026
• potentially Dhoni's last appearance opportunity at Chepauk
• a critical playoff-deciding contest

However, Gavaskar's comments suggest the decision may ultimately come down to whether Dhoni himself feels he can genuinely improve the team's chances.

"I would be very surprised if he plays against SRH," Gavaskar said.

CSK's playoff scenario explained

The clash against SRH has effectively become a knockout game for Chennai.

CSK qualification equation:

• Win remaining matches → stay alive for playoffs
• Lose against SRH → playoff hopes almost over

Sunrisers Hyderabad, meanwhile, could take a huge step toward qualification with victory in Chennai.

That makes the match one of the most important games of the IPL 2026 league stage.