Top News

IPL 2026: Why Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni are not Playing MI vs CSK Match
Cricket Gully | April 23, 2026 11:39 PM CST

Indian Premier League 2026 match number 33 will pit two of the best sides ever, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, against each other in Wankhede Stadium. The teams have had a tough season so far because they have won just two games out of six played.

 

The match is important for both teams because they have to win again and get back into form. Both teams have found themselves in trouble due to many of their players being injured.

 

Rohit Sharma Still Recovering from Injury

 

Rohit Sharma has been missing matches for Mumbai Indians due to a hamstring injury. He got injured during a game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru while batting. He had to leave the field after feeling discomfort and did not return to bat.

 

Rohit has not played since he missed matches against Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans. The medical reports show that he does not have a serious tear but the team has decided to delay his return.

 

The team has used Quinton de Kock and debutant Danish Malewar as their opening partnership. The team has experienced difficulties because they have been without Rohit who brings valuable experience to the opening position.

 

MS Dhoni Yet to Play This Season

 

MS Dhoni has not played a single match for Chennai Super Kings during this entire season. The 44-year-old suffered a calf strain during the pre-season and has not fully recovered yet.

 

Dhoni has been with CSK since the first season in 2008 and he stepped down from captaincy before IPL 2026 to become a wicketkeeper-batter. The team has suffered because of his absence especially during critical moments of the game.

 

CSK face additional injury challenges. The team selection process has become more complicated because Ayush Mhatre and Khaleel Ahmed both remain unavailable.

 

Also Read | IPL’s Biggest Rivalry MI vs CSK: Iconic Matches You Can’t Forget

 

A Rivalry Full of History

 

The rivalry between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings is one of the biggest in IPL history. The two teams have competed against each other in 39 matches since their first encounter in 2008. Mumbai Indians lead the record with 21 wins while CSK have won 18 matches.

 

They have faced each other in four finals with Mumbai Indians winning three of those matchups. The 2019 final remained one of the most notable moments because it finished on the final ball.

 

The rivalry between these teams has produced numerous outstanding performances along with more than 150 matches. Fans will expect the match to remain competitive even though important players will not participate.

 

Big Test for Both Teams

 

The match grows in significance because both teams experience player shortages and their current struggles. The upcoming match will provide them with essential confidence needed to achieve a higher position on the points table.

 

Chennai Super Kings will try to win the match while Mumbai Indians will use their home advantage. The matchup between these two powerful teams will provide fans with another thrilling encounter.


READ NEXT
Cancel OK