New Delhi: Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has travelled to Hyderabad with the squad ahead of theirIPL 2026 clash against SRH on Saturday, April 18. The veteran batter has suffered a calf strain at the pre-season camp and missed the initial five matches of the ongoing tournament.

CSK are currently placed at the eighth spot out of 10 teams on theIPL 2026 points table, winning two games out of their five. The Chennai-based franchise lost three consecutive matches before winning their last two at home, against Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders.

MS Dhoni travels to Hyderabad – Watch video

Dhoni has been following CSK’s matches from the team hotel but has also been seen at training sessions and shown no signs of discomfort while facing throwdowns. He has also not travelled with the team to Guwahati and Bengaluru, but was seen boarding the team bus with the franchise confirming that he is travelling to Hyderabad.

MSD ✈️ HYD 🦁#WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/9OvxIxfra1

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL)

Ahead of their last home match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Dhoni had a session with batting coach Mike Hussey, but didn’t face any of the main bowlers. He also spent time with Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad before the clash.

MS Dhoni to play as impact player?

After winning two consecutive matches, CSK have to find a spot for their former captain in the playing XII. They looked well-balanced and had their bases covered in the last two games. The only possible replacement could be Dhoni coming in place of Sarfaraz Khan.

The Mumbai batter has been CSK’s one of the brightest spots in the ongoing season. But in the most recent match against KKR on Tuesday, he struggled to bat and scored just 23 runs from 18 deliveries. The other option is to make Dhoni play as an Impact Player, who can be replaced with a bowler later on.