Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey has officially confirmed that MS Dhoni will miss the team’s final league stage match against the Gujarat Titans.
Speaking ahead of the high-stakes encounter in Ahmedabad, Hussey revealed that Dhoni is currently sidelined with a sore thumb. While the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman is not with the squad right now, there is a silver lining for the fans: he is recovering well and is expected to rejoin the camp if the team secures a spot in the post-season.
The Mathematical Tightrope to the Playoffs
The news comes at a critical juncture for the defending champions. Following a tough defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad—where an explosive fifty from Ishan Kishan helped the Men in Orange chase down 181—CSK finds itself in a precarious position. To keep their title defense alive, they must defeat the second-placed Gujarat Titans to reach 14 points. A victory alone won’t guarantee a top-four finish, however, as the team will still need other group-stage results to fall heavily in their favor.
Shaking Off the Defeat and Moving Forward
Reflecting on the mood in the camp after the loss to SRH, Hussey admitted that the dressing room felt flat after missing out on a winning home farewell. However, the coaching staff has urged the players to put the disappointment behind them immediately. With only one opportunity left to qualify, Hussey emphasized that the team’s focus remains entirely on maintaining a confident, positive attitude and delivering their absolute best performance at the Narendra Modi Stadium.