Fans’ expectations for the Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians clash in IPL 2026 have taken a big hit as MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, the supposed protagonists for the league’s ‘El Clásico’, are doubtful to play in the Wankhede blockbuster. It has come to attention through a Cricbuzz report that neither of India’s cricketing legends is fully fit to take the field. However, the remote possibility of either of them playing as an Impact Player can not be ruled out. Although MSD is not completely out of the equation for the Gujarat Titans for the 26th April. The report of Dhoni and Kohli’s availability emerged after the duo’s training on the eve of the marquee game. Both Dhoni and Rohit spotted in net practice, but struggling with injuries As per the same report, both Dhoni and Rohit trained on Tuesday night, on the eve of the game, but it is understood that neither looked fully convinced about their fitness. Therefore, CSK and MI will likely avoid taking risks by fielding them, especially with more than half the season still left to play. Also Read: Mitchell Starc to arrive in India on Friday, could feature against Rajasthan Royals on 1 May It is worth noting that Rohit suffered a hamstring injury during the Mumbai Indians’ home match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 12 and has not fully recovered since. Rohit batted on Tuesday evening, something he has been doing regularly of late, but he is not fit enough to go all out in matches. MS Dhoni did not look fully recovered from a calf strain at the Wankhede nets either. “We have told him to inform us when he is ready. As of today, he has not told us anything. We are waiting to hear from him,” said Kasi Viswanathan, the CEO of the franchise. “We still don’t know whether he will come to the ground. It is entirely up to him.” But with the former CSK captain, the possibility of surprises can be ruled out completely. 5-time champion CSK replace Ayush Mhatre with Akash Madhwal In another development, Chennai Super Kings on Thursday signed Akash Madhwal as the replacement for big-hitting batter Ayush Mhatre. The Chennai opener was ruled out of the season due to an injury. “Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have signed Akash Madhwal as a replacement for Ayush Mhatre, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 due to injury,” the IPL said in a release. Madhwal joined the 5-time champions at a fee of ₹30 lakh, has previously played for the Mumbai Indians (2023 and 2024) and the Rajasthan Royals (2025). He has played 17 IPL matches and has taken 23 wickets. The 32-year-old also has a five-wicket haul to his name, having recorded sensational figures of 5/5 in his debut season for MI in the Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants. Also Read: Preparations start for cricket’s return to Olympics after 128 years: ICC hails Knight Riders for ‘bold declaration’ Meanwhile, Mhatre was earlier ruled out of IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury. As per CSK’s X announcement, Mhatre’s injury will require a rehabilitation period of 6-12 weeks, from the injury that he sustained in the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He seemed to pull his hamstring while taking a second run. Post navigation Nandre Burger penalised 10% match-fee for send-off gesture:Handed one demerit point for breaching code of conduct against Lucknow
