Predicted CSK Playing XI vs MI: Mystery on MS Dhoni continues

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) return to Chepauk for yet another high-stakes clash against rivals Mumbai Indians (MI), but as always, the biggest question this season isn’t just about combinations. It is about MS Dhoni. Once again.

CSK have found some rhythm after a shaky start, but they are still not out of danger. Sitting mid-table, they cannot afford slip-ups, especially against a struggling MI side. They will back themselves to get those two crucial points. But even with momentum slightly on their side, the conversation still focuses on Dhoni’s availability and whether he will finally take the field.

Once again, he participated in the training. Dhoni looked sharp in the nets, even pulling one cleanly in a clip that went viral, where Hardik Pandya said, “Mahi bhai, love you.” However, Dhoni has been training before all of recent CSK’s matches. He even trained in the reverse fixture in Mumbai too. But decided to play against it. In the previous game against Gujarat Titans (GT), Dhoni reportedly declined to play so that he wouldn’t disturb the team combination.

MS Dhoni mystery continues for CSK

The situation remains exactly where it was a few days ago. Dhoni is fit enough to train but not quite ready or willing to step back into the XI just yet.

As per RevSportz, the call has been left entirely to him, and as of now, he hasn’t confirmed his availability. The deadline given is 5 PM IST, when the team leaves for the Chepauk Stadium from hotel. Dhoni has not been travelling with the squad on match days, intentionally staying away to avoid being a distraction.

Even from a team perspective, there is logic in holding back. CSK have started to settle into a combination. Bringing Dhoni in now would mean reshuffling roles again, especially in the middle order and behind the stumps. Stephen Fleming has already hinted that Dhoni is still managing his calf issue carefully.

Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad to shine vs MI

Sanju Samson has been one of CSK’s biggest positives this season. He has 304 runs in 8 innings, including two hundreds, striking at nearly 170. One of his century came in a winning cause against Mumbai itself. His presence has ensured that CSK are not really missing Dhoni behind the stumps. Ruturaj Gaikwad, meanwhile, continues to lead from the front. He enjoys playing against MI. He isn’t in great form but has usually done well against Mumbai. He also has a solid match-up against Hardik Pandya, striking at over 180 against him in T20s.

Ruturaj Gaikwad vs MI

Innings	Runs	Avg	Strike Rate	50s	Best
10	313	39.12	151.94	3	88*

At No. 3, CSK could slot in Sarfaraz Khan as an aggressive option in the powerplay, something they have experimented with recently. This means no Urvil Patel. Ayush Mhatre is already ruled of the tournament. Dewald Brevis, meanwhile, is a firepower in the middle but needs to have that statement knock. He averages 16 so far in the touranment. Meanwhile, Shivam Dube remains their go-to spin-hitter.

Kartik Sharma continues to get backed despite inconsistent returns. He is the one who is playing over MS Dhoni. The management clearly sees long-term value in him. Jamie Overton provides balance as a seam-bowling all-rounder. Akeal Hosein has quietly become a key weapon. His 4 for 17 against MI earlier this season is still fresh, and his variations could again trouble MI’s batting.

Noor Ahmad complements him well, giving CSK a strong spin duo. On the pace front, Mukesh Choudhary is likely to return, while Anshul Kamboj and Gurjapneet Singh round out the attack.

Predicted CSK Playing XI vs MI

S. No.	Player	Role
1	Sanju Samson (wk)	Opener
2	Ruturaj Gaikwad (c)	Opener
3	Sarfaraz Khan	Top-order batter
4	Dewald Brevis ✈️	Middle-order batter
5	Shivam Dube	Middle-order batter
6	Kartik Sharma	Finisher
7	Jamie Overton ✈️	All-rounder
8	Akeal Hosein ✈️	Spinner
9	Noor Ahmad ✈️	Spinner
10	Mukesh Choudhary	Fast bowler
11	Anshul Kamboj	Fast bowler
Impact Sub	Gurjapneet Singh	Fast bowler