Mumbai Indians secured the toss and decided to bowl first in their IPL 2026 match against Chennai Super Kings at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.
Expectations were high for MS Dhoni’s comeback, but the experienced player stayed sidelined. Dhoni has not participated in any IPL 2026 games so far, as he recovers from a calf injury suffered shortly before the event started last month. Supporters had been eagerly awaiting his appearance in this key fixture.
The day prior to the game, Dhoni delighted those present at the venue by displaying his playful personality. He interacted with camera operators, maintenance workers, and staff. During a training period at Wankhede, he engaged with an AI-driven robotic dog named Champak. The captain, who has led his team to five IPL titles, underwent intensive practice on Tuesday, including wicket-keeping and batting drills.
On Wednesday, he began with a brief session, paused, and then resumed for almost an hour, practicing against delivery experts and pace bowlers.
Following the workout, Dhoni, an avid animal enthusiast, was observed again with the robotic dog, attempting to have it copy his movements, though it did not always comply.
Supporters must continue waiting to witness their icon in action.
After the toss, Mumbai Indians leader Hardik Pandya stated: ‘We will bowl first. We addressed many areas effectively, maintained high energy, and needed a performance where everyone contributes. We focused deliberately on controlling our intensity, aimed to enjoy ourselves, and events unfolded positively. The surface appears lively but performed well previously. We retain the same lineup.’
Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad introduced a single alteration to their team.
‘We also would have chosen to bowl first, though it was an even decision. The pitch seems favorable, and at Wankhede, strong batting is essential regardless of the order. It comes down to delivering an impressive display when batting first. Our form is solid overall. We have struggled to capitalize on key opportunities, but we recovered effectively with our bowling in the previous outing. Our batting began strongly too. As mentioned, we need to seize those moments to secure victories. The group remains positive and prepared,’ he commented.
‘(With fans in yellow creating excitement wherever we play?) Yes, largely due to the iconic figure (Dhoni) who is absent today, unfortunately. His influence draws support everywhere. We aim to please them this evening. We have made a few adjustments,’ added the CSK captain.
Mumbai Indians lineup: Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Naman Dhir, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (captain), Tilak Varma, Sherfane Rutherford, Mitchell Santner, Jasprit Bumrah, Krish Bhagat, AM Ghazanfar, Ashwani Kumar.
Chennai Super Kings lineup: Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Sarfaraz Khan, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary.
