Will MS Dhoni play today in LSG vs CSK in IPL 2026? Five-time title-winning captain changes travel plans at last moment

MS Dhoni continued to stay out of limelight in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) by changing his mind at the last moment the day Chennai Super Kings (CSK) flew to Lucknow for their crucial away game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Having been ruled out initially for two weeks due to a calf strain, Dhoni is yet to play a single game for CSK in IPL 2026.

Although the two-week time limit ended in April, Dhoni's absence from the playing XI has disappointed the fans too. Although Dhoni is having fun at training with his teammates and batting at full tilt at the nets, the 44-year-old has remained absent on the ground on match days.

He did travel to Mumbai and Hyderabad along with the side, but chose to stay in his hotel room. A glimmer of hope came on Wednesday morning when Cricbuzz reported that Dhoni is set to travel to Lucknow and had his tickets booked for the trip.

But that hope turned into disappointment once again when the same media outlet reported that Dhoni changed his mind at the last moment and stayed back in Chennai. As a result, Dhoni will be without a game in IPL 2026 for 12 consecutive matches - a rare sight in the career of the five-time IPL-winning former CSK captain.

What's stopping MS Dhoni to come on ground?

According to CSK batting coach Michael Hussey, Dhoni has been