Chennai Super Kings are set to face their fiercest rivals, Mumbai Indians, in the crucial IPL 2026 match on Thursday, April 23. Ahead of the game, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad shared a major update on MS Dhoni's availability for the showdown at Wankhede Stadium.

Gaikwad confirmed that MS Dhoni suffered a calf strain during the intra-squad friendly match before the IPL 2026. CSK also lost Nathan Ellis to an injury and were without Dewald Brevis for the opening three matches.

CSK started the tournament with three defeats, then won the next two games before falling to SRH in the last match. CSK have lost their powerplay specialist, Khaleel Ahmed, and the leading run-scorer this season, Ayush Mhatre, to injuries in the last two games, and are now waiting desperately for MS Dhoni's return.

Will MS Dhoni play in MI vs CSK game?

Speaking on the eve of the crucial game, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad said that MS Dhoni is still recovering, hinting at another absence for the former captain.

"I think after that it was just about him seeing some of the youngsters playing in practice games or in match simulations where he felt confident enough about them, who are ready and who have that ability to play in the IPL. And, after that, it was just about taking time on his recovery, and slowly, slowly, he's getting there. Never know, maybe next game, maybe after that, but definitely one day for sure," Ruturaj Gaikwad said.

MS Dhoni was seen batting at full tilt in practice sessions at Wankhede Stadium on the eve of the match, but is unlikely to play in today's MI vs CSK game. The 44-year-old is expected to be fully fit for Chennai Super Kings' next face Gujarat Titans at Chepauk on April 26.

Also read: MI vs CSK Match Prediction

Chennai Super Kings' best XI against Mumbai Indians

Who will replace Ayush Mhatre? Urvil Patel looks like an obvious choice at the No. 3 position, having smashed 68 runs in three innings at a strike rate of over 200 last season. Matthew Short is another option, but the management is likely to utilize him in the lower order until Dhoni's return.

Mukesh Choudhary, who took Khaleel Ahmed's role in the last game, is expected to partner Anshul Kamboj and Jamie Overton in the pace attack.

CSK XI: Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Urvil Patel, Dewald Brevis, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Matthew Short, Jamie Overton, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary

Impact player: Akeal Hosein/Gurjanpreet Singh