MS Dhoni (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)NEW DELHI: The hopes of getting a glimpse of legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni in Chennai Super Kings’ final league-stage match of IPL 2026 against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad ended on Thursday. Dhoni has not featured in any game this season, marking the first time in IPL history that the former CSK captain, who had led the team to five IPL titles, has not played a single match for the franchise.Dhoni’s absence from the clash against Gujarat Titans did not come as a surprise, as CSK batting coach Michael Hussey had already confirmed that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter was nursing a thumb injury and he did not travel with the team for the crucial encounter.However, Hussey had hinted that Dhoni could return if CSK qualify for the playoffs. Dhoni also did not travel with the team to Ahmedabad for the match.“Hopefully, if we can get through to the playoffs, he should be alright," Hussey had said. But those hopes also ended with the elimination of CSK after the biggest defeat on Thursday.Dhoni's IPL journeyDhoni was signed by CSK at the inaugural IPL auction in 2008 and has remained the face of the franchise ever since.CSK’s two-year suspension in 2016 and 2017 saw Dhoni turn out for Rising Pune Supergiants, the only other franchise he has represented in the IPL.Across 278 IPL matches, Dhoni has scored 5439 runs at an average of 38.30, including 24 half-centuries.In his illustrious IPL career spanning 278 matches, Dhoni - who represented both Chennai Super Kings and Rising Pune Supergiants - had missed only five IPL matches before this season. Three of those came in 2010 against Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while the other two were in 2019 against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians.As captain, he guided Chennai Super Kings to five IPL titles - in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023 - while also leading the franchise to a record 10 IPL finals.Dhoni's IPL statsTournamentTeamsMatInnsRunsHSAveSR50sCtStIPL2 teams278242543984*38.30137.452415847IPL 2025CSK141319630*24.50135.17065IPL 2024CSK141116137*53.66220.540100IPL 2023CSK161210432*26.00182.45073IPL 2022CSK141323250*33.14123.40190IPL 2021CSK161111418*16.28106.540130IPL 2020/21CSK141220047*25.00116.270151IPL 2019CSK151241684*83.20134.623115IPL 2018CSK161545579*75.83150.663113IPL 2017RPS161529061*26.36115.991103IPL 2016RPS141228464*40.57135.23184IPL 2015CSK17173725331.00121.96183IPL 2014CSK161537157*74.20148.40131IPL 2013CSK181646167*41.90162.894152IPL 2012CSK191735851*29.83128.771122IPL 2011CSK161339270*43.55158.70255IPL 2009/10CSK131128766*31.88136.66256IPL 2009CSK141333258*41.50127.20244IPL 2007/08CSK16144146541.40133.54260