Chennai Super Kings (CSK) veteran player MS Dhoni has not traveled to Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, for the IPL 2026 match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) due to a calf strain. Although Dhoni has recovered from the injury, he remains out of action, leaving fans disappointed as they await his return. In his absence, Sanju Samson, who was traded from Rajasthan Royals, has taken over the wicketkeeping duties. Despite being sidelined, Dhoni continues to provide valuable insights to his teammates. Youngster Urvil Patel recently achieved the joint-fastest fifty in IPL history, scoring a remarkable 65 runs off just 23 balls. Patel credited a conversation with Dhoni for his success, stating that Dhoni's reassurance helped him overcome self-doubt and trust his instincts. This interaction highlights Dhoni's ongoing influence on the team, even while he is unable to play.