MS Dhoni Heads to Hyderabad for IPL Clash Against Sunrisers
Dhoni's Journey to Hyderabad
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], April 16: Renowned Indian cricketer MS Dhoni has departed for Hyderabad as his team, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), prepares for their upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday.
Following two consecutive victories at home, CSK is eager to secure a third win, this time on the road, while SRH aims to defend their home ground. So far this season, SRH has managed to win two out of five matches.
CSK shared a video on their X account showing Dhoni boarding the team bus en route to the airport for their flight to Hyderabad.
MSD HYD
#WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/9OvxIxfra1
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 16, 2026
However, it remains uncertain whether Dhoni will participate in the match against SRH, as he has been sidelined due to a calf strain. The two-week recovery period mentioned by CSK has now elapsed.
Dhoni had a brief practice session in the nets before the team's match against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Chepauk Stadium.
At 44 years old, he is still striving to regain full fitness.
Reports from ESPNCricinfo indicate that during practice, Dhoni has not yet batted at full intensity and has only faced throwdowns, particularly from batting coach and former CSK teammate Michael Hussey. Additionally, he did not engage in any wicketkeeping drills during this training session.
Previously, the legendary player did not travel with the team for their away matches in Guwahati and Bengaluru, nor did he attend home games at Chepauk.
In a pre-match press conference before facing the Punjab Kings (PBKS), head coach Stephen Fleming emphasized Dhoni's significant role within the team.
“It’s just not the same without him. He remains deeply involved, and his impact is still very strong,” Fleming stated.
Throughout his IPL career, Dhoni has played 278 matches, accumulating 5,439 runs in 242 innings with an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45, including 24 fifties and a top score of 84*. He ranks as the sixth-highest run-scorer in IPL history. Last season, during a challenging campaign, he scored 196 runs in 13 innings, averaging 24.50 with a strike rate exceeding 135, and his highest score was 30*.