BIG UPDATE on MS Dhoni, Mahi to Join Field In CSK vs PBKS IPL 2026

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the eighth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. The Super Kings are playing their first match in their home stadium this season. After losing their first match, the home team will look forward to producing some outstanding performance in today's game.

Ahead of the encounter, Chennai Super Kings fans got a good news as former skipper MS Dhoni will be seen with the squad in the dugout as per RevSportz. This is indeed an exciting news for the fans as well as the team.

Is MS Dhoni Playing CSK vs PBKS Match?

The franchise informed the fans a few days before the IPL that MS Dhoni has been ruled out of the first two weeks of the tournament due to injury. Hence, the former captain didn't travel to Guwahati with the team for the team's first match of the season.

Dhoni is not in the playing 11 nor in the Impact Players list. However, he'll be on the bench with the squad for the the CSK vs PBKS IPL 2026 match, which will boost confidence within the youngsters. CSK are playing with with a young and inexperienced team looking to revive their team's legacy. Earlier, the fans were hoping for MS Dhoni CSK vs PBKS presence in the match, but the legendary cricketer is not fully fit yet.

On the other hand, PBKS have better stats against CSK, especially at the Chepauk. The Shreyas Iyer-led team has won their last three games in Chennai which is not a good sign for the home team. However, the overall CSK vs PBKS H2H record is in Super Kings' favor.

When Will MS Dhoni Play for CSK?

CSK's former captain MS Dhoni is one of the best players in IPL. However, in this season, he is yet to play since he is injured. He sustained a calf injury and is going through rehab currently. Hence, CSK are going with young combinations this season.

Being one of those rare cricketers to have played the league right from the start, Dhoni brings wealth of experience with him. He has led Chennai to a record five titles in the tournament making him one of the most successful captains in IPL history.

Sanju Samson has replaced Dhoni as the team's wicketkeeper this season but hasn't made an impact yet. He has scored just 13 runs in two games so far, but will be expected to get amongst the runs soon.