Will MS Dhoni play even one game in IPL 2026? Fresh report reveals Massive development

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 19, 2026 | Sports

The iconic leader of the Chennai Super Kings, MS Dhoni, is expected to make a final decision about his participation based on his current physical condition.

On April 18, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) encountered their fourth loss in the ongoing IPL 2026 season. The team is currently grappling with an increasing list of injuries to essential personnel, specifically Khaleel Ahmed and Ayush Mhatre. Simultaneously, uncertainty persists regarding the availability of 44 year old wicketkeeper batter MS Dhoni. Although Dhoni has been observed practicing with the squad and taking throwdowns, he is yet to feature in a match this season. According to Sports Tak indicates that Dhoni himself will determine if he continues to play in light of his existing fitness concerns.

Performance Without Dhoni

In the absence of the veteran, star signing Sanju Samson has taken over wicketkeeping duties. Samson was instrumental in the team’s first victory of the season by scoring a century, and another high quality performance from him secured their second win. However, a pattern has emerged where CSK faces defeat whenever Samson fails to provide a significant contribution.

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Leadership and Form Concerns

The struggles for the franchise are compounded by the form of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. The skipper has found it difficult to lead from the front, accumulating only 82 runs across six innings. This results in a lean average of 13.66 and a strike rate of 112.32.

Growing Injury List

The squad’s depth is being tested as more players enter the treatment room:

Ayush Mhatre: The young top order batter sustained a hamstring injury during the failed run chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Batting coach Michael Hussey has verified that Mhatre will likely be unavailable for several matches.

Khaleel Ahmed: The left arm fast bowler suffered a quadriceps injury during a previous win against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He has been officially ruled out for the rest of the IPL 2026 season, and the franchise has not yet named a successor for his spot in the squad.

Standings and Upcoming Fixture

Chennai Super Kings currently occupy the seventh spot on the IPL points table. Their net run rate remains slightly superior to that of the Lucknow Super Giants, who have secured two wins from five matches.

The team’s next assignment is a high profile encounter against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium on April 23. Mumbai Indians are also facing a difficult season, sitting in eighth place with only one win from five games. Fans are eagerly waiting to see if Dhoni will make his season debut during this traditional “El Clasico” rivalry.

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Major Blow to CSK as coach Michael Hussey confirms Ayush Mhatre’s hamstring injury; Check 4 players who can replace him vs MI at Wankhede?

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 19, 2026 | Sports

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a significant setback with news that young talent Ayush Mhatre is expected to be sidelined for several upcoming matches. The injury occurred during the team’s unsuccessful 195 run chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

Match Details and Injury Context

During the April 18 fixture, which CSK lost by 10 runs, Mhatre sustained a hamstring injury in the fifth over while attempting a second run. Despite receiving on field medical attention and clearly struggling with pain, he continued his innings briefly. After captain Ruturaj Gaikwad took a single, a limping Mhatre attempted a big hit but was caught by Heinrich Klaasen, ending a quickfire cameo of 30 runs from just 13 deliveries. The Under 19 World Cup 2026 winning captain required assistance from teammate Ramakrishna Ghosh and physio Tommy Simsek to leave the field.

Coach’s Assessment

Following the game, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey provided a grim update during the post match press conference:

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“It’s obviously a hamstring tear. I don’t know how bad it is. I’m sure we will scan him probably tomorrow or the next day. It looks pretty bad unfortunately. It is going to be a big loss because he has been in nice touch for us. He is an exciting young talent.”

Opportunity for New Talent

While acknowledging the disappointment of losing an in form player, Hussey noted that the situation opens a door for other squad members:

“It’s [Mhatre’s injury] going to get someone else an opportunity. That’s exciting as well. We’ve got some really good players that haven’t been able to get an opportunity. It is going to be exciting for one of those guys. As much as we are disappointed to lose Ayush, I don’t know for how long, it’s exciting for a new player to get a chance.”

Potential Replacements for the Number 3 Spot

CSK has several options to fill the void left by Mhatre as they prepare to face Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium on April 23:

Urvil Patel: Considered a like for like replacement, the Gujarat wicketkeeper batter has a career T20 strike rate of 179.47. In his limited appearances last season, he scored 68 runs at a strike rate of 212.50.

Matthew Short: The team could choose to promote Short higher up the batting order.

MS Dhoni: If fit to return, Dhoni’s inclusion could reshuffle the lineup.

Prashant Veer: Another middle order option available for selection.

The CSK management will use the break before the Mumbai fixture to conduct scans and finalize their strategy for the middle order.

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Bad News for Rohit, Kohli & Shami – BCCI’s ‘This’ major development threatens their future

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 19, 2026 | Sports

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly preparing to grant Ajit Agarkar a one year contract extension as the chairman of the men’s senior selection committee. This move serves as a reward for a highly successful period that saw India secure three ICC trophies under his watch.

Key Highlights of the Report

Handling Transitions: Agarkar is widely praised for his effective management of the squad’s transition phase.

Upcoming Discussions: BCCI officials are expected to consult with Agarkar during the ongoing IPL 2026 matches.

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Extended Timeline: While his original contract was set to conclude in June 2026, the new report from the Indian Express suggests he will remain in the role until June 2027.

A Period of Dominance

Since Agarkar assumed leadership of the selection committee, the Indian team has achieved significant milestones, including:

Two T20 World Cup titles.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The T20 Asia Cup 2025.

Additionally, India reached the final of the ODI World Cup 2023 during his tenure. The BCCI appears keen to maintain this stability through the ODI World Cup 2027, which will be hosted in South Africa.

Official Statements and Bold Decisions

A BCCI official shared insights with the media regarding the decision to retain Agarkar:

“Under Agarkar’s tenure, the team had a seamless transition and was fearless in taking bold decisions. The board felt he should continue. The BCCI officer bearers will be speaking to him on the sidelines of IPL games to update him.”

Agarkar’s leadership has been defined by navigating the retirements of icons like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma (from T20Is and Tests), and Ravichandran Ashwin. He was also instrumental in appointing Shubman Gill as captain for Tests and ODIs, and Suryakumar Yadav for the T20I format.

Furthermore, he demonstrated a willingness to make difficult personnel choices, such as dropping Shubman Gill from the T20I squad in favor of Ishan Kishan prior to the 2026 T20 World Cup, a move supported by selectors RP Singh and Pragyan Ojha.

Current Challenges and Ongoing Questions

Despite the white ball success, the Test team has encountered difficulties, including home series defeats against South Africa and New Zealand. India missed the WTC 2025 final, and qualifying for the 2027 final remains a significant challenge.

One persistent mystery remains the exclusion of Mohammed Shami across all formats following the 2025 Champions Trophy win. Although fitness was mentioned as a concern, Shami has performed well in domestic cricket and is currently showing strong form for the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026. It remains to be seen if Shami will return to the national setup during this extended contract period.

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SRH के खिलाफ जीता हुआ मैच हारी चेन्नई, कप्तान रुतुराज गायकवाड़ ने किसे ठहराया जिम्मेदार?

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 19, 2026 | Sports

CSK Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad Statement: बीते शनिवार (18 अप्रैल) शाम को सनराइजर्स हैदराबाद (SRH) और चेन्नई सुपर किंग्स (CSK) के बीच मुकाबला खेला गया. मैच में हैदराबाद ने 10 रन से जीत हासिल कर सीजन में तीसरी जीत अपने नाम की. दूसरी तरफ चेन्नई ने हार का चौका लगाया. मुकाबले में एक वक्त ऐसा आ गया था कि जब रन चेज के लिए मैदान पर मौजूद चेन्नई की टीम जीत के करीब पहुंच गई थी, लेकिन फिर भी टीम को अंत में हार का सामना करना पड़ा. सीएसके के कप्तान रुतुराज गायकवाड़ (Ruturaj Gaikwad) ने भी इस बात को माना कि टीम जीत के करीब पहुंच कर हार गई.

क्या बोले रुतुराज गायकवाड़?

पोस्ट मैच प्रजेंटेशन में रुतुराज गायकवाड़ ने कहा, “(195 रन चेज करने की इच्छा थी?) बिल्कुल. मुझे लगता है कि पावरप्ले में गेंदबाजी के लिहाज से हम 220 या 230 रन बनने की उम्मीद कर रहे थे, लेकिन 30 रन कम करना एक शानदार गेंदबाजी प्रयास था और इस तरह के मैदान पर, इस तरह की पिच पर, मैं किसी भी दिन 200 से कम का लक्ष्य स्वीकार कर लेता.”

गायकवाड़ ने आगे कहा, “10 ओवर में सिर्फ 80 रनों की दरकार थी और वहां से मैंने सोचा कि कुछ पार्टनरशिप करने की बात है और फिर यह तय करना था कि विरोधी टीम मैच में न रहे और दबाव में भी आए. लेकिन उसके बाद कुछ ओवरों ने मोमेंट बदल दिया. हमने 10 ओवर के बाद अगले 2 ओवरों में सिर्फ 4 रन बनाए. मुझे लगता है कि इससे उन्हें बहुत मदद मिली होगी. हमे पता था कि आखिरी के ओवरों में 12 या 13 रन बनाना मुश्किल होगा. उन्होंने अंत में अच्छी गेंदबाजी की. उन्हें क्रेडिट जाता है.”

पिछले कुछ मैचों में क्या अच्छा हुआ?

गायकवाड़ ने कहा, “मुझे लगता है कि पिछले लगातार तीन मैचों से बॉलिंग यूनिट अच्छा काम कर रही है. आज भी पावरप्ले के बाद अच्छा किया. पावरप्ले में भी मुझे लगा कि अभिषेक ने शानदार बल्लेबाजी की. उन्होंने गेंदबाजों की जमकर धुनाई की. हमने एक भी ढीली गेंद नहीं फेंकी, बस बेहतरीन क्रिकेट खेला. इसके लिए उन्हें सलाम. लेकिन उसके बाद भी, जब हमें लय मिल गई, तो मुझे लगता है कि हमने उसका भरपूर फायदा उठाया और सभी ने अपना योगदान दिया… जेमी (ओवरटन), गुरजपनीत (सिंह), नूर (अहमद) और अंत में अंशुल (कंबोज) ने भी शानदार प्रदर्शन किया.”

यह भी पढे़ं: SRH vs CSK Highlights: रोमांचक मैच में हैदराबाद ने मारी बाजी, जीता हुआ मैच हारी चेन्नई; अंतिम लम्हों में पलटा मुकाबला

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IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, Eshan Malinga star as Sunrisers Hyderabad beat CSK by 10 runs

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 18, 2026 | Sports

Sri Lankan pacer Eshan Malinga picked three wickets as Sunrisers Hyderabad restricted five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to just 184/8 in 20 overs and won their third match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 by 10 runs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday.

Earlier, opener Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen scored half-centuries as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) posted 194/9 in 20 overs despite a great comeback by CSK bowlers.

Chasing a challenging target, CSK made a brisk start, scoring 15 runs in the opening over. However, they suffered an early setback when Sanju Samson was dismissed for seven in the second over by Nitish Kumar Reddy.

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Despite the early blow, Ayush Mhatre counterattacked aggressively, smashing 24 runs in the third over. He looked in fine touch but was forced off after pulling a hamstring and was eventually dismissed for a quick 30 off 13 balls.

SRH tightened their grip when Malinga removed CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad for 19. Sarfaraz Khan and Matthew Short then steadied the innings with a 46-run partnership, guiding CSK to 111/3 at the halfway mark.

The stand was broken in the 11th over when Malinga dismissed Sarfaraz for 25. SRH struck again soon after as Shivam Kumar removed Dewald Brevis for a duck.

With the pressure building, Short struggled to accelerate and was dismissed for 34 off 30 balls, giving Malinga his third wicket. Shivam Dube tried to revive the chase but was bowled by Sakib Hussain for 21.

Late efforts from Jamie Overton and Anshul Kamboj were not enough, as CSK failed to chase down 18 runs in the final over, finishing on 184/8. Malinga was the standout performer with figures of 3/29, while Nitish Kumar Reddy chipped in with two wickets to secure a 10-run win for SRH.

Asked to bat first, SRH began cautiously before accelerating in the power-play. Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head looked in control, finding boundaries regularly. Abhishek’s explosive hitting in the fifth over, where he smashed Matthew Short for 25 runs, powered SRH to 63/0 in five overs.

CSK responded immediately as Mukesh Choudhary dismissed Head for 23, and Ishan Kishan fell for a duck on the next ball, leaving SRH at 75/2 after the powerplay. Abhishek’s innings ended in the eighth over when Jamie Overton induced an edge, caught by Sanju Samson. He made a rapid 59 off 22 balls, including six fours and four sixes.

SRH lost another wicket in the 11th over, but Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy added a quick 35-run partnership to stabilise the innings. Reddy scored 12 before departing, while Klaasen continued to attack, bringing up his fifty in 32 balls.

Klaasen was eventually bowled by Anshul Kamboj for 59 off 39 balls. Late cameos, including 12 off 8 from Shivam Kumar, helped SRH reach 194, though they fell short of 200.

For CSK, Overton and Kamboj picked up three wickets each, while Mukesh Choudhary claimed one.

Brief scores: Sunrisers Hyderabad 194/9 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 59, Heinrich Klaasen 59; Anshul Kamboj 3-22, Jamie Overton 3-37, Mukesh Choudhary 2-21 ) defeated Chennai Super Kings 184/8 in 20 overs (Matthew Short 34, Ayush Mhatre 30, Sarfaraz Khan 25; Eshan Malinga 3-29, Nitish Reddy 2-31) by 10 runs.

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रोमांचक मैच में हैदराबाद ने मारी बाजी, जीता हुआ मैच हारी चेन्नई; अंतिम लम्हों में पलटा मुकाबला

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 18, 2026 | Sports

सनराइजर्स हैदराबाद ने चेन्नई सुपर किंग्स को 12 रनों से हरा दिया है. हैदराबाद में खेले गए इस मैच में SRH की टीम ने पहले बैटिंग करते हुए 194 रन बनाए थे. एक समय चेन्नई की टीम आसान जीत की ओर बढ़ रही थी, क्योंकि उसे आखिरी 10 ओवरों में 84 रनों की जरूरत थी. मिडिल ओवरों में आकर ईशान मलिंगा ने आकर चेन्नई को डबल झटका दिया. शिवम दुबे चेन्नई की आखिरी उम्मीद बने हुए थे, लेकिन साकिब हुसैन और नीतीश कुमार रेड्डी की घातक गेंदबाजी के आगे CSK की पूरी टीम फुस्स हो गई.

जीती हुई बाजी हारी चेन्नई

195 रनों के लक्ष्य का पीछा करने आई चेन्नई सुपर किंग्स की टीम ने एक समय 10 ओवरों में 111 रन बना लिए थे और 7 विकेट उसके हाथ में बचे थे. CSK को 60 गेंदों में 84 रनों की जरूरत थी. 7 विकेट हाथ में रहते चेन्नई के लिए जीत बहुत आसान लग रही थी. तभी ईशान मलिंगा ने 11वें ओवर की चौथी गेंद पर सरफराज खान को आउट कर दिया. बस यहीं से मैच ने पलटी मारी.

सरफराज के 6 गेंद बाद ही डेवाल्ड ब्रेविस भी चलते बने. कहीं ना कहीं ईशान मलिंगा ने उन 2 विकेटों ने हैदराबाद की वापसी करवाई, जब उन्होंने सरफराज खान और मैथ्यू शॉर्ट को आउट किया. दोनों सेट बल्लेबाजों को आउट कर मलिंगा CSK के बैटिंग लाइन-अप पर हावी होने लगे थे.

कहां चेन्नई का स्कोर 3 विकेट पर 111 रन था, लेकिन देखते ही देखते CSK 154 रन तक आते-आते 7 विकेट खो चुकी थी. शिवम दुबे तो साकिब हुसैन की गेंद पर पूरी तरह चकमा खा गए और क्लीन बोल्ड हो गए.

अंतिम लम्हों में पलटी बाजी

शिवम दुबे, मैथ्यू शॉर्ट समेत चेन्नई के बड़े-बड़े सूरमा आउट हो चुके थे. जेमी ओवरटन ने दारोमदार संभाला. हालात ऐसे थे कि CSK को अंतिम 12 गेंद में 30 रन बनाने थे. 19वें ओवर में नीतीश कुमार रेड्डी ने 12 रन दिए. अब चेन्नई को 6 गेंदों में 18 रन बनाने थे. पहली 2 गेंद पर 3 रन आए, लेकिन उससे अगली गेंद प्रफुल हिंगे नो-बॉल कर बैठे. अच्छी बात यह रही की फ्री-हिट पर सिक्स नहीं आया. प्रफुल पूरे मैच में बहुत महंगे साबित हुए थे, लेकिन अंतिम ओवर में उन्होंने यॉर्कर पे यॉर्कर की और चौथी गेंद पर जेमी ओवरटन को आउट कर हैदराबाद की जीत पक्की की.

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