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Spencer Johnson set for CSK debut vs MI; MS Dhoni’s availability remains a last-minute call

Spencer Johnson confirmed for debut, while MS Dhoni’s fitness will be assessed on matchday ahead of MI clash.

By Aritra Chatterjee

Apr 22, 2026 22:27 IST

The Indian Premier League is set to launch the extravaganza as the El Clásico of IPL, the battle of the legends will take place in the land where cricket runs in the blood, and dreams change the stories of Indian cricket history. From the land of Sachin Tendulkar from the hometown of Rohit Sharma, cricket will see the face off of two legacy teams. Playing six matches both teams have managed to secure two victories so far and both teams are suffering from major performance issues. For both of the teams, they didn't come as a group. Amid all the negatives, CSK's bowling coach Eric Simmons confirmed Spencer Johnson who came in as a replacement for Nathan Ellis and joined the squad this week, will wear the yellow colour in IPL for the very first time against the Mumbai Indians.

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Giving a big boost to the Mumbai Indians whose middle order has been running out of oxygen for most of the time, Will Jacks has joined the squad amid key questions, Will Jacks can play a major role at the top if the Mumbai Indians set him in the playing XI. Will he play at the top? That call will depend on Rohit Sharma’s availability.

What is the update on MS Dhoni?

In the last match, CSK surely missed the MS Dhoni factor. 18 runs were needed in just 6 balls and they struggled to finish. Just before the match day, CSK's bowling coach clarified all the fog, Eric Simmons has confirmed that while the medical team will assess Dhoni's fitness on matchday.

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"A decision on him (Dhoni) will be taken tomorrow by him and the medical staff, if he is absolutely ready to go.” CSK bowling coach said.

Probable playing XIIs

Mumbai Indians- QDK(wk), Surya Kumar Yadav, Will Jacks, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(C), Naman Dhir, Krish Bhagat, Mitchell Santner, Allah Ghazanfar, Ashawni Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah.

Impact player- Rohit Sharma/Robin Minz/ Danish Malewar/ Raj Anagd Bawa.

Chennai Super Kings- Ruturaj Gaikwad(C), Sanju Samson, Urvil Patel, Sarfaraz Khan, Dewald Bravis, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni(WK), Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmed, Spencer Johnson, Anshul Kamboj.

Impact player- Gurjapneet Singh/Prashant Veer/ Mukesh Chowdhary

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