IPL 2026: No MS Dhoni again as CSK opt to bowl against LSG in must-win match

Chennai Super Kings won the toss and elected to bowl first against Lucknow Super Giants in their crucial IPL 2026 encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, but the biggest talking point once again remained the absence of MS Dhoni from the playing XI.With rain affecting preparations ahead of the match and uncertainty already surrounding Dhoni’s availability, CSK named an unchanged side led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, while Sanju Samson continued behind the stumps. The former CSK captain’s absence is likely to spark further speculation among fans, especially with the tournament entering a crucial phase.At the toss, Gaikwad explained that the decision to bowl first was influenced by the weather and covered conditions at Chepauk.“The wicket has been under covers for a while and there was rain around as well, so we felt bowling first was the better option, The mood is really positive. To come back after losing the first three games is commendable from everyone. We just want to keep things simple and continue the momentum,” Gaikwad said.Meanwhile, LSG captain Rishabh Pant admitted his side would also have preferred bowling first but stressed the importance of consistency as the playoff race intensifies.''We would have bowled first as well. We're definitely trying to look at each and every match from here. But at the same time, we've got to be consistent and look to play good cricket. I think just looking to play good cricket as of now. We had our moments. We had our chances in a lot of games but we couldn't finish it up . And that's the learning for us - as we move forward in the tournament, that's the only thing, like I said in Mumbai that we're going to give our 200% regardless of every match,'' Pant said.Lucknow made two changes to their lineup, bringing back Josh Inglis after injury while also including Avesh Khan in place of Mayank.Lucknow Super Giants (Playing XI): Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Aiden Markram, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Prince YadavChennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Sanju Samson(w), Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Urvil Patel, Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Akeal Hosein, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh ChoudharyLucknow Super Giants Impact Subs: Mukul Choudhary, Avesh Khan, Abdul Samad, Manimaran Siddharth, Mayank YadavChennai Super Kings Impact Subs: Gurjapneet Singh, Prashant Veer, Matthew Short, Sarfaraz Khan, Akash Madhwal