Daijiworld Media Network- Chennai

Chennai, May 18: MS Dhoni missed Chennai Super Kings’s final home game of the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 season against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday.

Confirming the development at the toss, CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad said the veteran wicketkeeper-batter was not fit enough to play the match.

“He's still here, but he's not fit enough to play this game,” Gaikwad said during the toss ceremony.

Gaikwad added that the team had made one change, bringing in Akeal Hosein in place of Gurjapneet Singh.

After winning the toss, Chennai Super Kings opted to bat first, with Gaikwad stating that batting first appeared to be the better option considering the conditions at Chepauk.

CSK currently occupy fifth place in the IPL standings with six wins and six defeats from 12 matches. A victory against Hyderabad would move the five-time champions into the top four and push Punjab Kings down to fifth place.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, meanwhile, have been in strong form heading into the clash, making the contest crucial for Chennai’s playoff hopes.