'MS Dhoni is not going to play' - Aakash Chopra's strong statement on legendary wicketkeeper ahead of CSK vs SRH

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has strongly suggested that MS Dhoni will not feature for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in what is their last home match of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, May 18.

Chopra has ruled out the possibility of the former skipper playing against SRH due to CSK still having an outside chance of qualifying for the playoffs. He could have played at Chepauk on Monday had the five-time champions already booked their place in the last four or were mathematically eliminated from the hunt. The Super Kings will not want to shoehorn Dhoni in place of a promising youngster like Prashant Veer or Kartik Sharma. 

"If you are thinking that I am going (to Chennai) because this could be Mahi's last match, I don't think this will be Mahi's last game because I don't think Mahi will play. MS Dhoni is not going to play. I think he is fit and available, but either the team should qualify or get eliminated. However, if you are stuck in the middle, he is not going to play, as why should the team's combination be spoiled? A youngster only will have to go out. Prashant Veer plays. So let him play," Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel. 

It is worth mentioning that Dhoni was seen batting in a CSK net session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium ahead of their game against SRH. However, there are still doubts surrounding his availability on Monday.

Dhoni picked up a calf injury before the start of the 2026 IPL season and has yet to feature for CSK. The 44-year-old has travelled with his side on multiple occasions, with the management not rushing him back into the playing XI.

As things stand, CSK are fifth in the standings, having picked up 12 points from as many matches this season. They were on a three-match winning streak prior to suffering a shock defeat at the hands of the Lucknow Super Giants in their last fixture.