New Delhi: MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma are still doubtful for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, April 23. According to a Cricbuzz report, the two former captains are still not fully fit to play, but there is still a slight chance of one of them featuring as an Impact Player.
Both players have practised on the eve of the match, but neither looked fully convinced about their fitness. It is highly unlikely that MI and CSK will take risks by playing them in the blockbuster clash. Rohit has suffered a hamstring injury during MI’s match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 12, and has not fully recovered yet.
As per Cricbuzz, the franchise is taking a cautious approach with his injury. The decision to play will be left to Rohit himself, but as on the eve of the match, the veteran opener appears to be struggling with his fitness. He batted on Tuesday evening, but is still far away from match fitness.
No indication from MS Dhoni to play against MI
MS Dhoni has batted in the nets at the Wankhede Stadium, but is still not fully recovered from the calf strain. The former CSK captain is expected to inform the franchise about his return date. But as of Wednesday, he has not indicated his readiness.
“We have told him to inform us when he is ready. As of today, he has not told us anything. We are waiting to hear from him. We still don’t know whether he will come to the ground. It is entirely up to him,” CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told Cricbuzz.
Both franchises are struggling in the IPL 2026 and are placed at the bottom half of the points table. MI and CSK have played six matches each so far, and have only managed to win two. CSK have defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), while MI beat KKR and Gujarat Titans (GT).