Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni recently showcased an unexpected skill during a practice session ahead of the IPL 2026 match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Dhoni was seen bowling spin in the training nets, taking on a surprising role ahead of his comeback following an injury layoff.
The Indian Premier League 2026 season has entered a crucial phase with teams battling for playoff qualification. Chennai Super Kings, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, are currently at sixth on the 10-team points table after winning five of their first ten matches. They recovered strongly after a difficult start to the season.
MS Dhoni Bowls In CSK Training Session, Viral Video Surprises Fans
MS Dhoni humorously expressed his desire to take a wicket during a recent Chennai Super Kings training session. In a viral video shared by Chennai Super Kings on X (formerly Twitter), the veteran cricketer jokingly said that he also wanted to pick up a wicket with the ball.
The Chennai Super Kings social media team expressed delight after seeing MS Dhoni bowl during the practice session. Sharing the short clip on their official X account, the franchise used a playful caption to highlight the fun moment involving the veteran cricketer.
Just too AdoraBOWL! 🦁💛 #WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/pkIAGszBE7
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 7, 2026
His absence has disappointed many fans, with large crowds still arriving at stadiums wearing his iconic jersey number. Speculation continues around the possibility of this being his final IPL season. The franchise has repeatedly maintained that the legendary wicketkeeper-batter is expected to return later in the campaign.
MS Dhoni Yet To Play In IPL 2026 Due To Recurring Knee And Calf Injuries
MS Dhoni has not played a match this season because of recurring knee and calf injuries. Although he has continued practicing in the nets, he has mostly remained at the team hotel on matchdays. During IPL 2025, Dhoni scored under 200 runs at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17.
In Dhoni’s absence, Sanju Samson has taken over the primary wicketkeeping duties for Chennai Super Kings. The Kerala batter joined the franchise through a pre-auction trade and recently won the Player of the Tournament award during the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Sanju Samson has scored 402 runs in 10 matches this season. He has also registered two unbeaten centuries during the campaign, including 115 against Delhi Capitals and 101 against Mumbai Indians, making him Chennai Super Kings’ leading run-scorer this year.
Chennai Super Kings to Face Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday
Sanju Samson recently played a brilliant, unbeaten innings of 87 runs off 52 balls against the Delhi Capitals. He guided Chennai Super Kings to a successful chase of 156 runs on May 5 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, helping the team secure an important victory.
Sanju Samson is currently at sixth on the list of highest run-scorers in IPL 2026. If he scores another 98 runs in Chennai Super Kings’ remaining league matches, he will become the first wicketkeeper from the franchise to score 500 runs in a single IPL season.
The Chennai-based franchise will take on Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow Super Giants in their next match at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday, May 10.
