Dhoni won't risk disrupting CSK's winning XI against LSG: Kumble
Synopsis
Anil Kumble's insight cuts to the heart of CSK's philosophy: continuity over disruption. Even with Dhoni visibly pushing for fitness — an unusual sight given his net-session habits — the franchise's winning streak matters more than the return of its most iconic figure. It's a test of ego versus team culture, and Kumble suggests Dhoni will choose the latter.
Key Takeaways
Anil Kumble believes MS Dhoni may not feature for CSK against LSG despite fitness efforts.
Dhoni sustained a knee injury during a practice session ahead of IPL 2026 and has not played a single match this season.
CSK have won three out of their last four matches and sit at sixth position with 10 points from 10 matches .
Kumble noted Dhoni has been batting extensively in nets and practicing wicketkeeping, an unusual move for the veteran.
CSK need a minimum of three wins from their last four matches to secure a playoff berth.
Anil Kumble, former India captain, believes veteran wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni may not feature for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) despite working hard to regain full match fitness, as the five-time champions would not want to disturb a successful combination. Speaking ahead of the IPL clash on 10 May 2026, Kumble highlighted CSK's philosophy of continuity and backing players in a winning streak.
CSK's winning formula
"CSK are the kind of side that don't like their winning streak to end. They don't tinker much with their winning combination, and they believe in backing their players," Kumble told Jio Hotstar. The franchise has won three out of their last four matches and currently occupy the sixth position in the points table with 10 points from 10 matches.
Dhoni's fitness push
Kumble revealed that Dhoni has been putting in extra effort behind the scenes to regain match fitness following a knee injury sustained during a practice session ahead of IPL 2026. "Now, MS Dhoni has been batting a lot in the nets. He has even been practicing wicketkeeping in net sessions, which is very surprising because he is someone who never keeps wickets in the nets. He is doing that and trying his best to return to full match fitness," the former India spinner added.
The continuity argument
However, Kumble feels that even if Dhoni manages to regain the required fitness levels, he may still choose not to return immediately. "But even if he manages to regain the required fitness levels, I feel he will not want to come into the playing XI because CSK are doing well. He will not take the chance of disrupting the team's momentum and the player combination that has helped them win," Kumble said. This reflects CSK's broader culture of stability over change, a trait that has defined the franchise since its inception.
Playoff push ahead
CSK can secure their place in the playoffs if they win a minimum of three out of their last four remaining matches. The franchise made a strong comeback in IPL 2026 after a poor start, and their recent form suggests momentum is building at a critical juncture in the season.
Point of View
If Kumble is right, underscores why CSK remains the IPL's most stable franchise. But there's a risk lurking — if the current XI falters in the playoffs, the narrative flips instantly to 'CSK should have backed Dhoni.' For now, momentum matters more than nostalgia.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why might MS Dhoni not play against LSG despite his fitness efforts?
According to Anil Kumble, CSK prioritises continuity and a winning combination over disruption. Even if Dhoni regains full fitness, the franchise may avoid bringing him back into the playing XI to protect the team's current momentum, which has yielded three wins in the last four matches.
What injury has kept MS Dhoni out of IPL 2026?
Dhoni sustained a knee injury during a practice session ahead of IPL 2026 and has not featured in a single match for CSK this season.
How is CSK currently placed in the IPL 2026 points table?
CSK occupy the sixth position in the points table with 10 points from 10 matches. They have won three out of their last four matches and need a minimum of three wins from their remaining four matches to secure a playoff spot.
What unusual fitness work has Dhoni been doing in the nets?
According to Kumble, Dhoni has been batting extensively in nets and practicing wicketkeeping during net sessions — an unusual move for the veteran, who typically does not keep wickets in practice.
