DC vs CSK Playing 11 Prediction IPL 2026 – Will MS Dhoni play?

The IPL 2026 season approaches its peak as the Delhi Capitals prepare to face the Chennai Super Kings in a match that could determine both franchises' playoff fates. This competition, set at the highly scoring Arun Jaitley Stadium, goes above the points table, with both teams currently tied at 8 points each, divided only by a razor-thin net run rate.

Also Read: IPL 2026: ‘Above my pay grade’ — Chennai Super Kings bowling coach breaks silence on MS Dhoni’s return

MS Dhoni set to play?

MS Dhoni remains the main focus of every CSK fixture, but his participation in the DC vs CSK match is uncertain. Unlike previous seasons when he battled knee injuries, "Thala" is currently healing from a persistent calf strain suffered during pre-season training camp. Despite appearing within the nets last month, Dhoni has yet to play a single match in the 2026 campaign.

According to reports from the CSK camp, the legendary goalkeeper has chosen to continue his extensive therapy in Chennai rather than travel with the squad to Delhi. While he has recently increased his running intensity during practice sessions, team management is taking a cautious approach to prevent a long-term setback. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan and bowling coach Eric Simons both stated that "Dhoni's recovery is being monitored daily," but stated that he is not yet match-fit for high-intensity play. Management was hinting that if he returns, he will most likely play in a strategic Impact Player role to manage his athletic workload while leveraging his tactical brilliance in the death overs for IPL 2026.

Also Read: "It is his call"— CSK official clears doubts around MS Dhoni ahead of DC vs CSK IPL 2026 match

Given the psychological impact of the game against the Mumbai Indians, MS Dhoni is almost certain to be on the team. It all suggests that he will play, ready to deliver the final 10-15 balls that can determine the outcome of a close match.

DC vs CSK Probable Playing XIs:

Delhi Capitals Probable Playing XIs

KL Rahul(wk), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel(c), Ashutosh Sharma, Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan Impact Player: David Miller, Vipraj Nigam, Karun Nair, Abishek Porel 

Chennai Super Kings Probable Playing XIs

Sanju Samson(wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Urvil Patel, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Prashant Veer, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary Impact Player: Kartik Sharma, Akeal Hosein, Sarfaraz Khan/MS Dhoni