Anil Kumble Discusses MS Dhoni's Fitness Ahead of IPL 2026 Match

In a recent discussion, Anil Kumble shed light on MS Dhoni's rigorous training efforts as he aims to regain full match fitness ahead of the Chennai Super Kings' IPL 2026 match against the Lucknow Super Giants. Kumble noted Dhoni's commitment to practice, including wicketkeeping drills, but suggested that the legendary player might choose not to disrupt the team's successful lineup. With CSK's winning streak at stake, the decision on Dhoni's return to the playing XI remains uncertain. Read on for more insights into the teams and Kumble's analysis.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 10, 2026, 14:07 IST

Kumble's Insights on Dhoni's Fitness Journey

Anil Kumble, the renowned former cricketer, has expressed his belief that MS Dhoni is diligently working to achieve full match fitness in preparation for the Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) this Sunday. However, Kumble suggests that Dhoni might opt to stay out of the playing XI to preserve the team's current momentum.

During a discussion on Star Sports, Kumble highlighted CSK's tendency to maintain a consistent lineup, especially during successful runs. He stated, "CSK is a team that prefers not to disrupt their winning streak. They rarely make changes to a successful combination and are committed to supporting their players."

Dhoni's Training Regimen and Kumble's Observations

The former captain of India noted that Dhoni has been actively engaged in training sessions, including resuming wicketkeeping drills. Kumble remarked, "MS Dhoni has been spending considerable time batting in the nets and has even started wicketkeeping practice, which is quite unusual for him as he typically doesn't keep wickets during practice."

Kumble emphasized Dhoni's determination to regain his fitness but also pointed out that he might refrain from joining the playing XI to avoid disrupting the team's successful dynamics. He added, "Dhoni is making every effort to return to peak fitness. However, even if he reaches the necessary fitness levels, I believe he will choose not to play, as CSK is performing well."

"He wouldn't want to risk upsetting the team's momentum or the combination that has contributed to their victories," Kumble concluded.

Team Lineups

Chennai Super Kings Squad: Sanju Samson(w), Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Urvil Patel, Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Jamie Overton, Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary, Gurjapneet Singh, MS Dhoni, Matt Henry, Sarfaraz Khan, Matthew Short, Shreyas Gopal, Shivam Dube, Rahul Chahar, Spencer Johnson, Akash Madhwal, Aman Khan, Zakary Foulkes, Prashant Veer.

Lucknow Super Giants Squad: Mitchell Marsh, Arshin Kulkarni, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Akshat Raghuwanshi, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, George Linde, Josh Inglis, Anrich Nortje, Manimaran Siddharth, Matthew Breetzke, Mohsin Khan, Arjun Tendulkar, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Akash Maharaj Singh, Mukul Choudhary, Naman Tiwari.