The wait to see MS Dhoni in Chennai Super Kings colors finally got here to an end on Match 64 of IPL 2026 on Monday, May 18, because the 44-year-old made his first on-field appearance of the season. Notably, the previous CSK skipper travelled to Chepauk for the primary time this yr but remained unavailable for selection attributable to a recent thumb injury.
Ahead of the clash between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, fans were hopeful that Dhoni would feature within the playing XI, especially with it being CSK’s final game on the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium this season. Nonetheless, supporters were left disillusioned after learning that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter was not fit enough for selection.
During CSK’s batting innings, Dhoni was not spotted within the dugout either, adding to the anticipation amongst fans. The long wait finally ended after the innings break when “Thala” walked onto the sphere for the team’s group photograph. It has turn into a convention for IPL franchises to take a team photo during their final home match of the season.
Dhoni took centre stage in the image alongside his teammates before quickly heading back to the pavilion. Watch the video here:
𝗨𝗡𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗 𝗔𝗨𝗥𝗔! ♾️😮💨
Chepauk goes berserk with roars as #MSDhoni steps onto the sphere for the team photo! 💛👏🙌#TATAIPL Race to Playoffs 2026 👉 #CSKvSRH | LIVE NOW ➡️https://t.co/1MHhpANXCI pic.twitter.com/AVqH80LCtr
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 18, 2026
CSK Urges Fans to Stay Back After SRH Clash at Chepauk
Ahead of the clash between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, the Men in Yellow made a special request to supporters, asking them to stay of their seats after the match. The announcement initially sparked concern amongst a bit of fans, with many fearing it may very well be linked to retirement news involving MS Dhoni.
Nonetheless, supporters were later relieved after learning that the request was made for CSK’s traditional lap of honour, organised to thank fans for his or her unwavering support through the season. Because it was Chennai’s final match on the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium this yr, the team planned a special post-match celebration with the group.
“It’s time to present back to you, Superfans 🥳🫂 Stay back and be an element of our annual ritual – Lap of Honour,” CSK posted on their official social media account.
It’s time to present back to you, Superfans 🥳🫂
Stay back and be an element of our annual ritual – Lap of Honour! 💛#WhistlePodu #CSKvSRH pic.twitter.com/zU17eNUFWf
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 18, 2026
Fans at the moment are delighted knowing they might get one other glimpse of MS Dhoni through the traditional lap of honour. Consequently, the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium is predicted to stay filled with supporters even after the match concludes.
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