After securing two consecutive home victories, CSK aims to achieve a third consecutive win on the road, while SRH will look to maintain their strong home record. SRH has won two out of their five matches this season.

CSK shared a video on their X handle showing Dhoni boarding the team bus for the flight to Hyderabad. The caption read: “MSD HYD #WhistlePodu #Yellove”.

It remains unclear whether Dhoni, who has been sidelined with a calf strain, will feature in the match against SRH. The two-week recovery period stated in CSK’s injury announcement has now elapsed.

Dhoni had a light session in the nets ahead of CSK’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Chepauk Stadium. The 44-year-old continues to work towards full fitness. According to ESPNCricinfo, Dhoni has yet to bat at full intensity during practice, facing only throwdowns primarily from batting coach and former CSK teammate Michael Hussey. He has not practised wicketkeeping during training sessions.

Previously, Dhoni did not travel with the team for away matches in Guwahati and Bengaluru, nor did he attend home matches at Chepauk on match days.

Before the team’s game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at home, head coach Stephen Fleming described Dhoni as “an influential figure within the franchise” and stated: “It is just a game without him. He is still heavily involved in the side, and his influence remains very strong.”

In 278 IPL matches, Dhoni has scored 5,439 runs in 242 innings, averaging 38.30 with a strike rate of 137.45. His record includes 24 half-centuries and a highest score of 84 not out. He ranks as the sixth-highest run-scorer in the tournament’s history.

During last season’s campaign, which ended with CSK receiving the wooden spoon, Dhoni scored 196 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate exceeding 135, with a top score of 30 not out.