In an unexpected development, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, two of the biggest legends of the Indian Premier League (IPL), are likely to miss the blockbuster clash of this season between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Thursday, April 23.
MS Dhoni hasn’t played a single match in the ongoing TATA IPL 2026 after picking up a calf injury during preseason training. After completing rehab in Chennai, the CSK icon has been recovering under expert supervision and focusing on healing his muscle injury properly.
MS Dhoni still not fully fit ahead of ‘El Clasico’
However, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni has already begun his training and has been practicing very hard, and even he was seen doing wicketkeeping and batting in the nets on Wednesday, April 22. However, Dhoni and the medical team will make the final decision on his availability just before the match.
Read Also: Riyan Parag’s RR teammate hit with heavy punishment by IPL Governing Council; Here's why
The former captain has already missed 6 games this season, and now there are high chances of missing this high-voltage “El Clasico” at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. However, MS Dhoni can still play as an impact player if there are even slight chances.
Rohit Sharma begins training after hamstring setback
On the other side, Rohit Sharma missed the last two games of the Mumbai Indians against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT) after suffering a hamstring injury earlier this month during his team’s group match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
The former MI captain was seen batting in the nets at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, despite still recovering. Rohit is also very unlikely to play CSK at home, despite the Mumbai team management's insistence that he is fit. Though some suggest he can still play as an impact player.
MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma likely to miss MI vs CSK clash in IPL 2026
Well, Dhoni and Rohit are now set to undergo last-minute fitness tests on Thursday, but top media reports suggested that they will miss this high-voltage “El Clasico” at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.
If both superstars miss this IPL 2026 game, it will mark a historic moment in IPL history—the first-ever MI vs CSK clash without either Dhoni or Rohit.
Update - No Dhoni https://t.co/YwTOA6gS7f
— Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) April 23, 2026
Hardik Pandya, Ruturaj Gaikwad under heavy pressure as MI and CSK desperate for big comeback
Meanwhile, this match is all about pride and big moments, but now it has become a must-win game for both CSK and MI teams. Mumbai Indians may have a slight edge in past matches, winning 22 matches while CSK won 19 matches in their past meetings, but presently, both sides are under pressure after series of defeats, and they badly need a win to stay in the race.
The focus is also on the captains—Hardik Pandya of MI and Ruturaj Gaikwad of CSK. Both had strong performances before this season, but they have been badly struggling this season. Hardik, who was in great form last year, has scored only 96 runs in five matches.
His bowling has also been disappointing for MI. With just three wickets and giving away too many runs, Hardik is yet to make a big impact this season. On the other hand, Gaikwad also came into the IPL 2026 with good form, but handling the pressure of leading CSK is proving to be a tough challenge.
from Cricket Addictor https://ift.tt/u2ta3gk
