Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians (MI) will host Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 33rd match of IPL 2206. The El Clasico of IPL will be played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium from 7:30 PM IST. The toss will take place at 7:00 PM IST. The biggest game of IPL 2026 could lack the star power as Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni are doubtful for the fixture. Rohit hasn’t played a fixture since April 12. MS Dhoni hasn’t taken the field for CSK yet. Will the IPL legends be fit for the all-important game?
Cricbuzz has reported that both players are not fully fit to take the field. Dhoni batted and practiced wicketkeeping at the Wankhede Stadium. Rohit batted in the nets but is reportedly away from being match fit. A clear word on Dhoni will only be available at the toss.
“(Regarding) MS, we will know tomorrow.. that decision will be made once he in particular and the medical staff are completely happy that he is ready to go,” CSK’s bowling coach Eric Simons said on the eve of the game.
Rohit, Dhoni injuries
Rohit Sharma suffered a hamstring injury while batting against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Dhoni is out of action due to a calf strain he suffered before the start of the season. He was initially ruled out of action but two weeks, but hasn’t taken the field yet. MI could play Rohit as an Impact Player. He has played this role for MI and could once again only be used as a batter.
With 2 wins in six matches, MI sit in the seventh spot in the IPL 2026 points table. They have 4 points at an NRR of +0.067. A win here will see MI move to the fifth spot.
CSK also has 2 wins and 4 points. They kicked off their campaign with three back-to-back defeats. CSK defeated Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders in back-to-back games. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) ended CSK’s winning run and handed them a 10-run defeat. The Wankhede Stadium is traditionally a chasing ground and the captain winning the toss will surely opt to bowl first.
