TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, match number 33, will be against Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The two most successful franchises of the IPL will clash on April 23 at the Wankhede Stadium. In the El Clasico cricket match, former CSK captain MS Dhoni could feature.
According to reports in the Indian Express, Dhoni, who has been sidelined since suffering a calf injury during pre-season training, is close to returning to full fitness. CSK’s next match will be away against Sunrisers Hyderabad, although it is not clear if Dhoni will travel with the team.
MS Dhoni to play against MI
MS Dhoni has not traveled with the team during their away matches and was not even seen on the bench in CSK’s last home match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He has been staying at the hotel and has been seen in training. He has not shown any discomfort in the face of the knockdowns.
Last night, before the last game against KKR, the former CSK captain trained with batting coach Mike Hussey but did not face any top-ranked players. He also worked with left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad before the KKR match.
MS Dhoni’s inclusion will help Ruturaj Gaikwad
Although reports suggest that MS Dhoni, who has been working hard at the age of 44 to regain his fitness, will play the crucial match against the five-time winners Mumbai Indians. CSK and MI did not have the best start in IPL 2026; They are currently in eighth and ninth position in the table, respectively.
Once Dhoni comes in, the former India captain will also be able to guide Ruturaj Gaikwad, who at times looked disoriented during their losses in this IPL. MS Dhoni has been a brilliant leader for CSK and has also helped young captains like Virat Kohli during his time with the Indian National Cricket Team, and is now doing the same with Gaikwad.
The question will arise if Dhoni comes in, who is the batsman or all-rounder coming out of the team? Last season he played like an impact player and fans are hoping for something similar this season as well.
Ruturaj Gaikwad needs to find a way
CSK, despite a poor start, have won two matches in a row, defeating Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. However, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has been struggling with his form as he has not got many runs in this tournament, with a high score of just 28 runs at an average of 12.
Gaikwad has done well in the captaincy; However, his batting must give results as he is missing runs. The opener has also seen a drop in his strike rate this season, trying to play the anchor role rather than being aggressive. Once Gaikwad gets fit, CSK will look like a different team in this IPL, but time is running out for them right now.
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