Sunil Gavaskar delivers blunt MS Dhoni take when asked if former CSK captain will play vs SRH: 'A win is a must'

Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar feels MS Dhoni must not play for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Monday, even if he is fit and despite the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) being the last for the franchise at home in the ongoing 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).

CSK are currently in the fifth spot in the IPL 2026 points table, and have a solid 35% chance of reaching the playoffs. They made a poor start to the season, but three wins in the last five matches have changed the scenario for them.

Gavaskar on Dhoni playing vs SRH

And hence Gavaskar feels even if Dhoni has recovered from the calf injury, he may sit out of the CSK vs SRH match as he would not want to break Chennai's rhythm in what is a must-win clash.

“Looks tough. Because this is a crucial game for CSK to progress. A win is a must. He hasn’t even played a single game, and he wouldn’t want to play this match. Because if he can’t perform, CSK might struggle. He is a team man and a team player. I don’t think he will play. Even I am disappointed. No Indian would want to see him not play. I just feel that perhaps the injury that he sustained, he has yet to recover entirely,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

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Meanwhile, CSK fans may not agree with Dhoni as the SRH match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium might be their last chance to see the former captain play at home. There's, of course, no guarantee he will play IPL next year.

On Punjab Kings losing their sixth consecutive match, on Sunday against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and facing the danger of missing out on the playoffs, Gavaskar said that PBKS can still sneak through as other teams, including CSK, are failing to take their chances.

"I wouldn't be surprised to see Punjab Kings make the playoffs because teams like Rajasthan Royals are doing their best not to qualify. They lost this game against Delhi from a winnable position and if Rajasthan keep losing from winning positions, then all Punjab need to do is win their next game. That would take them to 15 points, which might be enough."

"Sunrisers are ahead of Punjab, and CSK can still reach 14 or even 16 points. But if CSK lose one match, then Punjab have a very real chance of qualifying," he added.