MS Dhoni sparks frenzy in Hyderabad, fans throng airport for a glimpse. Video
MS Dhoni received a rousing welcome in Hyderabad as he travelled for his first away game of IPL 2026. The Chennai Super Kings star's wife shared videos of fan frenzy at the Hyderabad airport on Instagram on Thursday.
MS Dhoni showed why, at 44, he remains one of the most-followed cricketers in the world. The Chennai Super Kings great landed in Hyderabad to a roaring reception reserved only for the game's elite. It felt as though fans had gathered to welcome a World Cup-winning team, with hundreds turning up to cheer the wicketkeeper-batter.
Dhoni travelled for an away game for the first time in the IPL 2026 season, sparking hopes of his return to action. Initially sidelined for two weeks due to a groin injury, he joined the Super Kings squad that flew from Chennai to Hyderabad on Thursday afternoon ahead of their IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, scheduled for Saturday.
While a small group of fans cheered him on as he boarded the team bus from CSK's hotel in Chennai, Dhoni's arrival in Hyderabad triggered a massive frenzy. There was heavy security as Dhoni, along with his family who travelled with him, was safely escorted out of the airport.
Dhoni did not stop to interact with fans, understandably so.
His wife, Sakshi, shared videos of the carnival-like atmosphere at Hyderabad airport upon their arrival in the city.
In one of her videos, fans can be seen running towards the Super Kings team bus, phones in hand, trying to capture a photo of Dhoni, who took his usual seat reserved for him on the bus.
Having missed the first five matches of the IPL 2026 season, Dhoni is currently recovering from the groin injury that kept him sidelined. It remains to be seen whether the wicketkeeper-batter will take the field for Chennai Super Kings against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
However, this marks the first time this season that Dhoni has travelled with the team for an away fixture. The former captain did not travel to Guwahati and Bengaluru, where the Super Kings lost to Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru earlier in the campaign.
DHONI AS IMPACT PLAYER VS SRH?
The Super Kings management are apparently cautious about not rushing back their finisher on his return from a recurring injury. While he only faced throwdowns during the recent sessions at Chepauk, franchise teasers and reports suggest he is entering the final stage of rehabilitation.
If Dhoni features, he is a prime candidate for the Impact Player role. This tactical move would allow him to provide his trademark late-innings finishing without the physical strain of keeping for 20 overs. Experts suggest this "short burst" strategy is ideal for his recovery, enabling him to focus purely on aggressive stroke-making during high-pressure chases.
On the field, CSK has finally found its rhythm. After a worrying three-match losing streak to start the season, Ruturaj Gaikwad's side is currently on a two-match winning run, having secured clinical victories over Delhi Capitals and KKR.
The integration of Dewald Brevis and Akeal Hosein has stabilized a combination that looked shaky in March. However, the momentum is tempered by the loss of pacer Khaleel Ahmed, who was ruled out of the season today with a quadriceps tear, making Dhoni's potential return an even bigger morale booster for the eighth-placed squad.
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MS Dhoni showed why, at 44, he remains one of the most-followed cricketers in the world. The Chennai Super Kings great landed in Hyderabad to a roaring reception reserved only for the game's elite. It felt as though fans had gathered to welcome a World Cup-winning team, with hundreds turning up to cheer the wicketkeeper-batter.
Dhoni travelled for an away game for the first time in the IPL 2026 season, sparking hopes of his return to action. Initially sidelined for two weeks due to a groin injury, he joined the Super Kings squad that flew from Chennai to Hyderabad on Thursday afternoon ahead of their IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, scheduled for Saturday.
While a small group of fans cheered him on as he boarded the team bus from CSK's hotel in Chennai, Dhoni's arrival in Hyderabad triggered a massive frenzy. There was heavy security as Dhoni, along with his family who travelled with him, was safely escorted out of the airport.
Dhoni did not stop to interact with fans, understandably so.
His wife, Sakshi, shared videos of the carnival-like atmosphere at Hyderabad airport upon their arrival in the city.
In one of her videos, fans can be seen running towards the Super Kings team bus, phones in hand, trying to capture a photo of Dhoni, who took his usual seat reserved for him on the bus.
Having missed the first five matches of the IPL 2026 season, Dhoni is currently recovering from the groin injury that kept him sidelined. It remains to be seen whether the wicketkeeper-batter will take the field for Chennai Super Kings against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
However, this marks the first time this season that Dhoni has travelled with the team for an away fixture. The former captain did not travel to Guwahati and Bengaluru, where the Super Kings lost to Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru earlier in the campaign.
DHONI AS IMPACT PLAYER VS SRH?
The Super Kings management are apparently cautious about not rushing back their finisher on his return from a recurring injury. While he only faced throwdowns during the recent sessions at Chepauk, franchise teasers and reports suggest he is entering the final stage of rehabilitation.
If Dhoni features, he is a prime candidate for the Impact Player role. This tactical move would allow him to provide his trademark late-innings finishing without the physical strain of keeping for 20 overs. Experts suggest this "short burst" strategy is ideal for his recovery, enabling him to focus purely on aggressive stroke-making during high-pressure chases.
On the field, CSK has finally found its rhythm. After a worrying three-match losing streak to start the season, Ruturaj Gaikwad's side is currently on a two-match winning run, having secured clinical victories over Delhi Capitals and KKR.
The integration of Dewald Brevis and Akeal Hosein has stabilized a combination that looked shaky in March. However, the momentum is tempered by the loss of pacer Khaleel Ahmed, who was ruled out of the season today with a quadriceps tear, making Dhoni's potential return an even bigger morale booster for the eighth-placed squad.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
