‘7 Is Here’: MS Dhoni Finally Joins CSK Squad At Chepauk During Crucial IPL 2026 Clash Vs SRH, See Pics

MS Dhoni finally made an appearance at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium during Chennai Super Kings' crucial IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, sending fans at Chepauk into a frenzy despite not being part of the playing XI. The former CSK captain, who has spent most of the season on the sidelines due to recurring calf strain issues, was spotted inside the dressing room during the match, with pictures quickly going viral across social media.

Ahead of CSK's final home game of the season, reports had also emerged that Dhoni had suffered a thumb injury, adding to concerns over his fitness. Although he was not available for selection against SRH, even his presence at the stadium became one of the biggest talking points of the evening.

Dhoni's Presence Lifts Mood At Chepauk

For weeks, speculation had surrounded Dhoni's absence from the field. Apart from injury concerns, reports suggested that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter was consciously avoiding a return so as not to disrupt CSK's settled combination while the team remained in the playoffs race.

At the toss, CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad confirmed that Dhoni was with the squad but still unavailable for action.

"Well, it's nothing complicated, it's just simple for us. Take it one game at a time, look to win this one, look to start well, look to assess the conditions well, and put your best foot forward," Gaikwad said after winning the toss.

When asked about Dhoni, Gaikwad added that he "is here" but clarified that the former captain was not fully fit to play.

The moment news spread that Dhoni had arrived at the stadium, excitement among fans inside Chepauk visibly increased. Images showing him inside the dressing room rapidly circulated online, with supporters celebrating even a brief glimpse of the CSK legend.

CSK Opt To Bat First Against SRH

Chennai Super Kings won the toss and chose to bat first against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Match 63 of IPL 2026 at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.

CSK made one change to their playing XI, bringing back Akeal Hosein, while Dhoni continued to remain unavailable due to injury concerns.

Explaining the decision to bat first, Gaikwad said, "Well, nothing, not as such, it's just that we have to respect conditions and choose what's best for the conditions. And yes, I think batting first looks good here now."

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins admitted his side would also have preferred bowling first.

"It's T20 cricket, and it's not easy every game. He knows it's not going to work every game. We would have probably wanted to bowl. Same team as the last game," Cummins said.

MS Dhoni having a smile with team-mates 💛 pic.twitter.com/af8gA0DsQb

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 18, 2026

Playoff Race Intensifies For Both Teams

The contest carried massive playoff implications for both franchises heading into the final stretch of the league stage.

Chennai Super Kings entered the match placed sixth on the points table with six wins and six defeats from 12 matches. Despite a difficult start to the campaign that included three consecutive losses, CSK managed to stay alive in the playoff race.

However, Gaikwad's side came into the clash after suffering a seven-wicket defeat against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium, making the SRH encounter a must-win fixture. CSK need victories in both their remaining matches to keep their qualification hopes alive.

CSK POST 181/6 IN A MASSIVE GAME 🔥
◾ CSK finish on 181/6 from 20 overs - Crunch time at Chepauk with playoff pressure at its peak 🥶
◾ SRH need 182 to seal a playoff 👀
◾ MS Dhoni on the field, Chepauk still chanting for Thala 🥹💛#CSKvSRH #IPL2026 #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/be2F9k8oSP

— Yogesh Goswami (@yogeshgoswami_) May 18, 2026

Sunrisers Hyderabad, meanwhile, also bounced back strongly after losing three of their first four matches this season. SRH were placed third in the standings with seven wins from 12 games before the Chepauk clash.

A win against CSK would significantly strengthen Hyderabad's chances of sealing a playoff berth, despite the team entering the match on the back of a crushing 87-run defeat against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.