MS Dhoni's Availability In LSG vs CSK Match: Last Minute Decision Leaves Fans Disappointed

Virat Kohli Leaves Dhoni, Rohit Behind, Scripts IPL History During RCB vs KKR Clash

Suyash Sahay — Thu, 14 May 2026 10:56:55 +0530

Virat Kohli IPL Record: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Virat Kohli added another remarkable chapter to his IPL legacy after becoming the most capped player in the tournament’s history during the clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Raipur on May 13. The former India and Bengaluru captain featured in his 279th IPL match, moving ahead of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) veteran MS Dhoni and Mumbai Indians (MI) icon Rohit Sharma, who are both tied on 278 appearances.

It is worth noting that while Rohit continues to feature for Mumbai this season, the franchise has already been knocked out of the IPL 2026 playoff race. Dhoni, meanwhile, remains part of the Chennai Super Kings squad but is yet to make an appearance in the ongoing campaign.

Century Marks Record-Breaking IPL Outing

The milestone added another major achievement to Kohli’s glittering IPL career, but the RCB batsman was far from finished for the night.

He followed up the historic appearance with a sensational unbeaten century that guided his side to an important victory over Kolkata Knight Riders.

Kohli smashed 105 not out off just 60 deliveries, striking 11 fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 175. His commanding knock helped RCB successfully chase down the target and strengthened their position in the IPL 2026 standings.

Also Check: Virat Kohli’s Epic Reaction To Manish Pandey’s Impossible IPL Catch

Kohli Equals Jos Buttler’s Unique IPL Feat

The century also helped Virat Kohli draw level with England batsman Jos Buttler for the most hundreds scored during run chases in IPL history.

It was Kohli’s third IPL century while batting second, taking him alongside Buttler at the top of the elite list. The numbers further underline Kohli’s dominance in chases throughout his IPL career.

Across 138 matches and 131 innings while pursuing targets, Kohli has accumulated 4,285 runs. His record in successful chases also includes 29 half-centuries, with a highest score of 108 not out.

The victory pushed RCB back to the top of the IPL 2026 points table. They now have eight wins and four defeats, giving them 16 points in the standings.

For KKR, however, the defeat could prove costly. They had entered the contest unbeaten in their previous four matches after enduring a difficult run earlier in the season, but the latest setback has significantly damaged their playoff hopes.

CSK Suffer Fresh Injury Blow, Overseas Star Flies Back Home Amid IPL 2026 Playoffs Race

Suyash Sahay — Thu, 14 May 2026 10:37:14 +0530

CSK Injury Blow IPL 2026: Yet again, Chennai Super Kings have been dealt a setback in their injury-hit IPL 2026 campaign after England all-rounder Jamie Overton was ruled out temporarily and sent back to the United Kingdom for further medical evaluation. The five-time IPL champions confirmed that Overton is struggling with a right thigh injury and will undergo additional assessment back home. The franchise shared the update through their official social media channels. The development comes as another major concern for Chennai, who have already endured a difficult season on the injury front with several key players either unavailable or sidelined during crucial stages of the tournament.

Jamie Overton Played Key Role For CSK

Official Announcement

Jamie Overton has a right thigh injury and will be returning to the UK for further assessment and management. pic.twitter.com/pzlO5qE9Dp
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 13, 2026

Jamie Overton has been one of Chennai’s standout performers in IPL 2026 and made important contributions with both bat and ball. The 32-year-old featured in 10 matches for the franchise, scoring 136 runs and claiming 14 wickets during the campaign.

"Jamie Overton has a right thigh injury and will be returning to the UK for further assessment and management," CSK said on social media on the matter.

His absence could further weaken CSK’s balance as the side continues to battle availability issues within the squad. The England international’s departure also adds to the growing list of overseas players whose participation has been disrupted this season.

Also Check: Virat Kohli’s Epic Reaction To Manish Pandey’s Impossible IPL Catch

CSK Continue To Battle Injury Crisis

Earlier on Wednesday, Chennai Super Kings announced Karnataka all-rounder Macneil Noronha as a replacement for injured Maharashtra cricketer Ramakrishna Ghosh.

The franchise has already had to cope without several first-team players throughout the campaign. Former skipper MS Dhoni has remained unavailable, while opener Ayush Mhatre and fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed also suffered injuries during the season.

CSK have additionally been unable to utilise Australian pace options Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson, both of whom have not featured at any point during IPL 2026.

With injuries continuing to pile up, Chennai’s squad depth is being tested heavily as the tournament progresses. The latest setback involving Overton will now force the team management to reassess their combinations ahead of the remaining matches.

FIFA World Cup 2026: India Match Timings Revealed

Suyash Sahay — Thu, 14 May 2026 09:57:15 +0530

FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Timings: Football fans' wait for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is about to come to an end soon. The upcoming edition of the coveted tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, marking the first time three nations will stage the tournament together. The competition is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026, while the final will take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium. The 2026 tournament is also set to create history as FIFA expands the competition to 48 teams for the very first time. As a result, fans can expect a packed schedule featuring 104 matches across multiple host cities.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Timings For India

Viewers in India will once again need to prepare for late-night, and even early-morning football action because of the significant time difference with North America.

Although the tournament officially starts on June 11, the opening match will begin at 12:30 AM IST on June 12 for audiences in India.

In addition to 12:30 AM, several group-stage and knockout matches will also kick off at odd hours for Indian viewers, with start times scheduled at 1:30 AM, 3:30 AM, 4:30 AM, 6:30 AM and even 7:30 AM IST.

However, there is some relief for football fans in the country as a handful of fixtures will begin at more convenient timings. Matches such as Argentina vs Austria and Portugal vs Uzbekistan are scheduled for a 10:30 PM IST start, making them easier to follow live.

India Broadcast Situation Still Unclear

Despite the excitement surrounding the tournament schedule, there is still no official confirmation regarding the broadcasting and streaming rights for FIFA World Cup 2026 in India.

At present, no broadcaster has formally secured the rights to televise or stream the event in the country. There has been speculation suggesting that DD Sports could eventually air the tournament, but there has been no official announcement yet.

Also Check: WATCH: Virat Kohli’s Epic Reaction To Manish Pandey’s Impossible IPL Catch

WATCH: Virat Kohli’s Epic Reaction To Manish Pandey’s Impossible IPL Catch

Suyash Sahay — Thu, 14 May 2026 09:27:47 +0530

Virat Kohli Manish Pandey Catch Reaction: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) player Manish Pandey produced one of the most remarkable catches of IPL 2026 during the clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), leaving players, fans and even Virat Kohli visibly stunned. The spectacular moment came late during Bengaluru's chase of 193 when Tim David player a cut against Kartik Tyagi towards backward point. The shot flew off the bat at tremendous speed and looked destined to race away, but Pandey had other ideas. Diving sharply to his left, the veteran plucked out a sensational one-handed catch in a moment that unfolded almost too quickly to process.

The stadium fell silent immediately after the dismissal as spectators struggled to believe what they had just witnessed. The television broadcast also captured Kohli’s priceless reaction from the non-striker’s end, with the RCB star appearing completely shocked by the athletic effort. Check it out:

𝙄𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙖 𝙗𝙞𝙧𝙙? 𝙄𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙖 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙚? 𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙋𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙮 ✈️#ManishPandey catches a blinder to dismiss #TimDavid 🤯#TATAIPL Race To Playoffs 2026 ➡️ #RCBvKKR | LIVE NOW 👉https://t.co/9SHVzm41aO pic.twitter.com/uwWo8hx3Vm
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 13, 2026

Manish Pandey’s Blinder Goes Viral

Pandey’s stunning grab quickly became one of the standout moments of the match and is already being widely shared across social media platforms. Even though the catch removed the dangerous Tim David, it was Kohli who eventually ensured RCB crossed the finish line.

Kohli entered the contest under pressure after suffering consecutive ducks before the encounter, making his response even more significant.

The former RCB captain delivered a commanding innings, remaining unbeaten on 105 from just 60 deliveries. His knock included 11 boundaries and three sixes as Bengaluru successfully chased down the target in Raipur.

Also Check: Virat Kohli's Iconic Celebration Of His First Run After Two Ducks; Commentators React

Virat Kohli Leads RCB’s Chase in Style

Earlier in the evening, KKR posted a competitive total of 192/4 after being asked to bat first. Youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi played a crucial role in the innings with a well-crafted 71 that anchored KKR’s batting effort.

RCB began their chase aggressively thanks to Jacob Bethell’s attacking cameo before Devdutt Padikkal added momentum with a fluent 39. Kohli then took complete control of the chase, expertly guiding the innings despite Kartik Tyagi striking three times in the middle overs.

While Tyagi briefly threatened to swing the game in KKR’s favour, Kohli stood firm and brought up his ninth century in the format to seal an impressive victory for Bengaluru.

Failures are so important because they put you in a place to get back: Virat Kohli

PTI — Thu, 14 May 2026 01:30:02 +0530

Raipur, May 13 (PTI): Virat Kohli shrugged off the pressure of two successive ducks with an unbeaten century, admitting he was nervous when he walked out to bat and deliberately kept things simple, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets to climb to the top of the IPL table, here on Wednesday.

Kohli smashed a record-extending ninth IPL hundred as he went past MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma to become the player with the most appearances (279) in the tournament.

It was also his first IPL century since the 2024 season.

"The fact that I didn't get many runs in the last two games was, it eats me up in a way that I know I can play well and I'm hitting the ball well," Kohli told the broadcaster after he was adjudged the Player of the Match.

"But then, when you don't carry on and you know (that) you haven't created the impact for the team, it bothers you because that's basically been the goal all these years... trying to improve so that you can be the best version for your team when you play out there and make an impact," he added.

Kohli admitted that nervousness had crept in after being dismissed for ducks in the previous two outings, but added that such failures also play a role in helping a player bounce back and make an impact.

"The celebration (after completing the century) was not a big one because we know the importance of the points. It is a conscious effort to contribute more to the team," Kohli said.

"There is a reason people say pressure is a privilege -- it keeps you humble. Good pressure always helps you improve your game. A couple of games that do not go your way, you feel a bit of nervousness and that helps you." "It takes a lot of effort, but it helps your game go up. Those failures are so important because that puts you in a place to get back (to where you have been and do what has got you there)," he added.

He said he did not try anything extravagant and instead backed his natural game by picking the right lengths and finding the gaps consistently.

"... just (focused on) my positions at the crease, not doing anything extravagant and backing my game. Picking length, hitting the gaps (that) I can hit. (I am) happy I was able to back my game," said Kohli.

On extending his record tally of IPL centuries to nine, Kohli said he would continue to challenge himself while competing at the highest level.

"I just love batting; that is my core feeling. What an honour (it is) to be competing at this level and against the very best still. (I) just give my heart and soul out there because it is going to finish one day," Kohli remarked.

"(I) want to make the most of it, and look forward to pressure situations, where I am feeling a bit of heat and then I challenge myself to just go for it." "Sport teaches you a lot as a person. You build your character (when you perform under pressure). Even after all these years, it is the love for the game. I just love hitting the ball in the middle of the bat. That joy is still there and it is all God's grace, and I am thankful and grateful," he added.

RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, meanwhile, said he was pleased that the defending champions had moved to the top of the table with 16 points, displacing Gujarat Titans.

"It feels great. You play well in the tournament and everyone came in the different stage and doing their job for the team. We are taking it one game and one step at a time," Patidar said.

"Very satisfied (with the win). After 10 overs, the way we controlled their innings...to restrict them (to 192 after their start) is a good sign for us," he added. PTI AM AM DDV

(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

Kohli’s record-extending unbeaten ton powers RCB to 6-wicket win over KKR and top of points table

PTI — Thu, 14 May 2026 00:45:35 +0530

Raipur, May 13 (PTI): Virat Kohli roared back to form with a record-extending ninth hundred in the Indian Premier League to take Royal Challengers Bengaluru back to the top spot in the points table, with a six-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders here on Wednesday.

Kohli (105 not out off 60 balls) pumped his fists after taking a single in the first over for his first run in three matches, and he did not take long to impose himself on the game to produce another masterclass in run chase.

This was Kohli's ninth hundred overall in the IPL as he went past MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma for most matches (279) in the league. His unbeaten ton on Wednesday was also his first hundred since the 2023 edition. Before Wednesday, he already held the record of most hundreds in the IPL.

Kohli became the fastest player to score 14,000 runs in T20 cricket, reaching to the milestone in 409 innings (14027 runs in 409 innings and 426 matches). He also became the first Indian to score 14,000 runs in T20 cricket.

Kohli hit 11 fours and three sixes from the 60 balls he faced, and was never unfazed in a tall run-chase as RCB replied with 194/4 in 19.1 overs to KKR’s 192/4.

Vaibhav Arora was all over the place in his first over as Kohli hit the first ball to midwicket off the pads, the fourth delivery past square leg off a flick, the fifth sprayed way outside off for the batter to free up his arms and the sixth angling down the wicket which was helped on its way.

Each of these deliveries were hit for boundaries and Kohli was off to a flier.

Jacob Bethell (15) too opened up, hitting Dubey for two fours and a six on the first three balls of the third over, helping RCB attain that 10-runs-per-over momentum which they did not let go.

However, soon after his start, Bethell was surprised by a snorter from Kartik Tyagi (3/32). The short ball came quickly to which the England batter responded with a pull, but got an edge which ricocheted off his helmet towards the bowler for an easy grab.

KKR would feel they were tad unlucky when Rovman Powell timed his jump perfectly at extra cover to catch a lofted drive from Kohli off Tyagi, but the ball burst through his hands, giving Kohli a lifeline which proved too costly.

The dismissal had no impact on RCB’s charge who had Devdutt Padikkal (39) forging a robust 92-run stand with Kohli for the second wicket.

Neither Kohli nor Padikkal showed any urgency yet remained in complete control of the chase, putting away the bad deliveries while farming the strike with utmost ease.

Another opportunity came KKR’s way -- much easier than the one before -- when Arora failed to take a regulation grab off Cameron Green, giving Padikkal a lifeline.

Padikkal’s pull shot did not have the elevation and Arora had covered the distance well in time to get in line of the ball, but it popped out of his hands.

The second-wicket stand finally ended when Tyagi produced a short delivery to Padikkal shortly after the second break and the batter mistimed it.

Ajinkya Rahane made no mistake in taking it reverse-cupped but the KKR skipper was all over the place when a leading edge came off Rajat Patidar’s (11) bat in the 16th over. Rahane even used his body to keep the ball off the ground as he fell and juggled the ball several times.

If the two wickets gave KKR hopes, Kohli demolished them with a six and a four off Anukul Roy in the 17th over and soon completed his hundred off 58th delivery he faced.

Earlier, Angkrish Raghuvanshi led the charge with his career-best 71 as Kolkata Knight Riders posted a commanding 192 for four.

The KKR wicketkeeper-batter struck three sixes and seven fours in a fluent knock off 46 balls while forging crucial partnerships along the way to give his side the necessary impetus.

KKR lost momentum as soon as they had found some. After a tight first over in which Rahane (19) found a boundary after five dot balls off Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Finn Allen (18) smacked 14 runs off Jacob Duffy in the second.

But RCB struck back hard with Bhuvneshwar getting Allen caught behind off a delivery that darted away from the batter, and Josh Hazlewood bounced out Rahane soon after the KKR skipper had hit a six and a four off Duffy to make it 17 runs off the fourth over.

With KKR crawling to 56 for two after the powerplay, Raghuvanshi put on vital 68 runs for the third wicket with Cameron Green (32) and another 76 runs for the fourth wicket with Rinku Singh (49 not out).

Raghuvanshi began with an imperious hit over wide long-on for a six and kept picking the odd boundaries during the two partnerships that he forged.

While he dealt in some deft cut shots on the off-side, the highlights were a short-arm jab on the midwicket for a four off Duffy and a superb six over the ropes off Krunal Pandya.

KKR’s cause was also served well by Green who struck 32 off 24 balls with three fours and a six, while Rinku was stranded one run short of his fifty as he made 49 not out off 29 balls with three fours and two sixes. PTI DDV PDS PDS

(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

Virat Kohli's Century Power RCB To Claim Six-Wicket Victory Over KKR At New Raipur

Prateek Thakur — Thu, 14 May 2026 00:19:52 +0530

RCB vs KKR Highlights: Virat Kohli silenced his critics with a magnificent unbeaten century to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a thrilling six-wicket victory against Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur. On a historic night where he became the most-capped player in the tournament's history, the legendary batsman produced a masterclass in chasing to keep his side's title defence firmly on track.

Kohli Breaks Records and Duck Streak

Making his 279th appearance, Kohli surpassed the previous record for most matches played in the competition. He arrived under significant pressure after suffering consecutive ducks in his previous two outings.

The veteran responded with a sublime 105 not out from just 60 deliveries, featuring eleven boundaries and three massive sixes. His innings ensured Bengaluru chased down a challenging target of 193 with five balls to spare.

ALSO READ | WATCH: Virat Kohli's Iconic Celebration Of His First Run After Two Ducks; Commentators React

Kolkata’s Youngsters Shine in First Innings

Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders posted a competitive total of 192 for 4 after being put in to bat. The innings was anchored by 21-year-old Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who struck 71.

Raghuvanshi's fluent 46-ball knock was supported by a quick 32 from Cameron Green. Rinku Singh then provided the late fireworks, smashing an unbeaten 49 to bolster the total.

Bengaluru’s Disciplined Bowling Effort

Despite the high score, Bengaluru's bowlers performed admirably on a surface that offered little early assistance. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the standout performer, claiming one wicket for 34 runs.

Josh Hazlewood and Rasikh Salam also chipped in with vital wickets to keep the run rate in check. Their efforts ensured the target remained within reach for their powerful batting lineup.

ALSO READ | Mumbai Indians Breaks Silence On Hardik Pandya’s Abrupt Absence From Two Fixtures

Clinical Chase Completes the Double

Bengaluru's pursuit began with an aggressive cameo from Jacob Bethell before Devdutt Padikkal took charge. Padikkal struck a brisk 39 to maintain the necessary momentum alongside a focused Kohli.

Although Kartik Tyagi claimed three wickets to cause a mid-innings wobble, Kohli remained immovable. He reached his ninth century in the format to seal a memorable win for the hosts.

WATCH: Virat Kohli's Iconic Celebration Of His First Run After Two Ducks; Commentators React

Prateek Thakur — Wed, 13 May 2026 23:11:07 +0530

Virat Kohli Celebration: The record-breaking evening for Virat Kohli took a humorous turn as the legendary batsman poked fun at his own recent misfortune. After suffering consecutive golden ducks in his previous outings, Kohli finally got off the mark during the high-stakes chase against Kolkata Knight Riders. His exaggerated, sarcastic celebration upon scoring a single run immediately became the focal point of the contest.

A Historic Night In Raipur

Kohli entered the field in Raipur making his 279th appearance, officially becoming the most-capped player in the history of the league. He surpassed the previous record held by MS Dhoni.

Despite the weight of the milestone, the primary concern for the Bengaluru faithful was his recent lack of runs. The tension in the stadium was palpable as he faced his first delivery.

WATCH VIDEO

Celebrate every run like Virat Kohli 😅

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/X27WecYjiZ #TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #RCBvKKR | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/r23XtyBdNV
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 13, 2026

Mocking The Scoring Drought

Upon tucking a delivery away for a single, Kohli broke into a theatrical celebration that suggested he had reached a significant century. He was seen smiling broadly toward the Raipur dugout.

As seen in celebration, the official IPL social media channels quickly captured the moment. The caption "Celebrate every run like Virat Kohli" reflected the light-hearted nature of the incident.

ALSO READ | WATCH: Virat Kohli Mocked By Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan After Back-To-Back Ducks

The Mystery Of The Missing Jewelry

The match was further punctuated by a bizarre event involving Jacob Bethell. A sharp bouncer struck the opener, causing his gold neck chain to snap and fall unnoticed onto the turf.

The item was later recovered by Devdutt Padikkal, who noticed the glint of gold near the crease. Padikkal promptly handed the broken jewelry to the umpire for safekeeping during the chase.

Chasing Kolkata’s Formidable Total

Kolkata Knight Riders had earlier posted a challenging 192 for 4, driven by a brilliant half-century from Angkrish Raghuvanshi. Raghuvanshi’s 71 from 46 balls set a difficult task for Bengaluru.

Rinku Singh provided the late-inning acceleration with an unbeaten 49. Bengaluru’s bowlers, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, struggled to contain the flurry of boundaries during the final five overs of the innings.

ALSO READ | Mumbai Indians Break Silence On Hardik Pandya’s Abrupt Absence From Two Fixtures

Mumbai Indians Breaks Silence On Hardik Pandya’s Abrupt Absence From Two Fixtures

Prateek Thakur — Wed, 13 May 2026 21:50:42 +0530

The Mumbai Indians have acknowledged the significant difficulties faced during the prolonged absence of their regular captain, Hardik Pandya, following the team's elimination from the current tournament. A narrow defeat against Bengaluru on Sunday confirmed that the five-time champions would not progress further. The leadership has now turned its focus toward internal reflection and completing the remaining group fixtures with professionalism.

Adapting Without A Leader

The South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch spoke to reporters on Wednesday regarding the void left by the captain. Pandya has missed three matches this season due to a recurring back spasm.

"It's obviously been tough. Hardik is not only a leader but a fantastic cricketer as well. We've missed his presence when it comes to the on-field stuff," Bosch told reporters.

ALSO READ | MS Dhoni's Availability In LSG vs CSK Match: Last Minute Decision Leaves Fans Disappointed

Trusting The Medical Process

The franchise maintains that the health of the skipper remains the priority. The decision to keep him sidelined has been made with the long-term interests of the player in mind.

"I'm sure the people who are making decisions and the people who are looking after him are trying to do the best for him and for the team itself," Bosch added.

A Lack Of Consistency

Mumbai Indians are currently situated near the bottom of the league table. Bosch noted that the squad has struggled to deliver a cohesive performance where both batting and bowling units excel.

"We just have not put together a complete game. One day it's been the bowlers who would do well and the batters struggle a little bit," the all-rounder explained.

Ignoring External Social Media Noise

The Punjab Kings assistant bowling coach Trevor Gonsalves also addressed the media. He insisted that his squad remains entirely focused on cricket despite various unverified rumours circulating on various social platforms.

"Frankly speaking, we are not too concerned about what social media says. At present, we are only concerned and worried about tomorrow's game," Gonsalves stated during the pre-match press conference.

ALSO READ | Babar Azam To Become Pakistan Test Captain? PCB To Replace Shan Masood

Handling Professional Pressure

The coach emphasised that senior players are naturally equipped to deal with digital scrutiny. He noted that modern cricketers do not require specific instruction on how to manage their public image.

"You don't need anyone to teach them, first of all. They are big enough. They know how to control themselves. We are more concerned about the cricketing part," Gonsalves added.

Looking Toward The Next Contest

Suryakumar Yadav is expected to lead the Mumbai side once more on Thursday. The team is determined to finish the season strongly despite the disappointment of missing the playoff spots.

Winning key moments remains the objective for a side historically known for its clinical finishing. Both teams now prepare for a contest that will be defined by resilience under significant pressure.

MS Dhoni's Availability In LSG vs CSK Match: Last Minute Decision Leaves Fans Disappointed

Prateek Thakur — Wed, 13 May 2026 21:02:13 +0530

MS Dhoni Latest Update: The potential return of MS Dhoni to the Chennai Super Kings’ travelling party sparked a significant wave of optimism across the cricketing community on Wednesday morning. However, by the evening, those expectations were met with profound disappointment. Despite initial travel arrangements being made, the legendary former captain ultimately decided against joining the squad for their upcoming fixture in Lucknow.

A Reversal Of Travel Plans

The day began with reports from within the Chennai camp suggesting that a ticket had been booked for the veteran. This detail led many to believe that a comeback was imminent.

However, a later update from Cricbuzz confirmed that Dhoni did not make the journey. The report clarified that while a plan was in place, the forty-four-year-old ultimately opted out.

The Ongoing Calf Struggle

Dhoni has been forced to watch the 2026 season from the sidelines due to a persistent calf injury. This physical setback has prevented him from making an appearance so far.

His absence has become one of the primary storylines of the current campaign. Supporters have closely monitored every minor update regarding his fitness, training, and potential travel with the group.

ALSO READ | Babar Azam To Become Pakistan Test Captain? PCB To Replace Shan Masood

Influence Beyond The Field

The presence of the iconic figure with the squad would have provided a significant emotional lift. His influence at the franchise has always extended far beyond his tactical contributions.

Chennai have recently displayed signs of stability after a challenging period. The inclusion of their most famous player in the travelling group would have brought a new energy.

ALSO READ | WATCH: Virat Kohli Mocked By Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan After Back-To-Back Ducks

A Longer Wait Ahead

For now, the focus remains entirely on the recovery timeline of the veteran wicket-keeper. There is currently no official indication of when he might finally take the field.

Chennai Super Kings will proceed to face Lucknow Super Giants without their talisman. The fans must continue their patient wait to see the legendary figure back in action.