MS Dhoni reunites with Suresh Raina in an emotional moment during CSK's lap of honour at Chepauk | WATCH

MS Dhoni did not feature in Chennai Super Kings' final home game of the 2026 Indian Premier League, against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, 17 May. Dhoni has been a regular at practice sessions throughout the season and was seen batting in the nets ahead of the SRH clash, but did not pass the fitness test yet again.

The legendary wicketkeeper-batter thus failed to make a single appearance as a player at the MA Chidambaram Stadium this season. And it remains to be seen whether he will be making any appearance at all – whether in CSK's final league game against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on 21 May or in the playoffs, should they qualify.

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Dhoni reunites with Raina at Chepauk

That, however, doesn't mean 'Thala' did not step out on to the pitch at all during Saturday's showdown at Chepauk between CSK and SRH. Dhoni did walk out to the ground for a team picture during the innings break after the Super Kings posted 180/7 on the board following captain Ruturaj Gaikwad's decision to bat.

The Chepauk faithful would have been disappointed at not getting a glimpse of their biggest superstar in action throughout the season, but went wild with joy nevertheless after catching a glimpse of 'MSD' walking out for the photoshoot.

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Later in the evening, SRH chased down the 181-run target set by CSK with five wickets and an over to spare, thanks to Ishan Kishan's fiery 70, to secure their place in the playoffs and also confirm Gujarat Titans' qualification.

The disappointment of the loss, however, appeared to be quickly forgotten once Dhoni returned to the ground after the conclusion of the post-match presentation ceremony, this time for CSK's lap of honour around Chepauk.

Not only did Dhoni soak in the love that was being showered on him from the stands, he also stopped to take selfies with photographers, members of the ground staff and others. Most importantly, it was during the lap of honour when 'MSD' was reunited with CSK legend Suresh Raina, a.k.a. 'Chinna Thala'.

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Dhoni had announced his retirement from international cricket in Independence Day, 2020 – more than a year after his final appearance for the Indian team. The former India and CSK captain, however, remains an active player in the IPL even in his mid-forties.

He had stepped down from captaincy ahead of the 2024 season, having led CSK to their fifth title the previous year. Dhoni, however, has been dealing with a host of fitness issues in the last three seasons, from knee problems to a calf injury that has kept him sidelined throughout the ongoing season.

And given his lack of appearances this year, a final announcement appears imminent, whether immediately after CSK's final game of the season or later this year, perhaps before the retention deadline.