Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be forced to make a couple of changes to their playing XI for the game against the Mumbai Indians (MI) on Thursday, owing to some injuries and tactical amends that might be needed. After winning two games in a row, Ruturaj Gaikwad and co. slumped to yet another defeat, putting the team at the risk of facing a premature exit in IPL 2026. Ayush Mhatre, who sustained a hamstring injury in the previous game against SRH, is likely to be replaced by Urvil Patel in the playing XI. Meanwhile, MS Dhoni could be used as an impact player at the Wankhede Stadium.
Predicted CSK playing XI vs MI
Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Urvil Patel, Dewald Brevis, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Gurjapneet Singh, Spencer Johnson
Impact player: MS Dhoni
Urvil to replace Ayush
Patel had joined CSK mid-way through IPL 2025 as an injury replacement for Vansh Bedi. He created instant impact on his arrival as he scored just 68 runs in 3 games, but brought the aggressive brand of cricket that CSK needed. Mhatre’s injury was an unfortunate one, for he was forced to run an unnecessary double in the 5th over, which resulted in the youngster pulling out of the game a couple of deliveries later. He scored 201 runs in 6 matches, at a strike rate of 177.87 and an average of 33.50.
As a result of his hamstring injury, Mhatre has been ruled out for 6-12 weeks, which means he will miss the remainder of IPL 2026. CSK are yet to sign a replacement. However, due to Mhatre’s injury, Urvil stands a golden chance to feature in CSK’s playing XI, given that he is also a top-order batter.
Will MS Dhoni return?
Dhoni missed CSK’s first six games of IPL 2026 due to a calf strain that he had sustained during a net session before the start of the season. However, he seems to be fit now and is all but likely to take the field against MI on Thursday. But, in what capacity will CSK use him, is a question that has to be answered by the captain and the team management.
Addressing a press conference ahead of the MI vs CSK match, Super Kings’ bowling coach Eric Simmons said that a decision on the former captain’s participation in the game will be taken by the team’s medical staff on Thursday and that he is ready for action. In fact, MSD was also seen practicing wicketkeeping in the nets on Tuesday – a rare sight for those who follow Thala closely.
“A decision on him will be taken tomorrow by him and the medical staff, if he is absolutely ready to go,” Eric Simmons said on Wednesday.
Given how things have gone for CSK so far and the ability of Dhoni to bat only for a few deliveries due to his knee issue, he is likely to be used as an impact player. Sanju Samson, who serves as the opener for CSK, will be expected to continue with wicketkeeping duties unless CSK decide to make a radical change by allowing MSD to don the gloves.
Spencer Johnson confirmed to be in playing XI
CSK bowling coach Eric Simmons has confirmed that Spencer Johnson, who has been signed as a replacement for Khaleel Ahmed, is all set to feature in the playing XI for CSK in the game against the Mumbai Indians. But, in order to accommodate the Australian pacer, the five-time champions will have to bench either Mukesh Choudhary or the impressive Gurjapneet Singh.
Meanwhile, Matthew Short – who was very poor with bot bat and ball – is all set to be excluded from the playing XI for the game against MI.
Cricket
MS Dhoni to decide availability for MI vs CSK match, Gaikwad or Fleming won't make fitness call
