After missing all previous matches of CSK due to a calf injury, MS Dhoni is likely to be available for Chennai Super Kings’ IPL encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Saturday, April 18.Dhoni has resumed training and even travelled with the CSK squad, raising hopes of his return to the playing XI of CSK. So far, the Ranchi-born cricketer hasn’t featured in any of the IPL 2026 matches as he is recovering from a calf injury. The legendary cricketer had participated in training sessions but wasn’t match-ready and for the same reason, he didn’t travel with the squad for away games.
The trend changed against Hyderabad. As CSK shared the video on social media, he was spotted traveling with the squad. Following which, there is a rumour that he is now fit to get back into the playing XI. Before, reports claimed that he is on course to participate in the match against Hyderabad, but his availability later changed to next match of CSK against MI.
It is still not clear whether Dhoni would end up in the playing XI, but he was traveling with the squad is a major boost in itself. He hasn’t attended any of the home matches so far. Thus, even he was in the dressing room could boost the players.
Chennai Super Kings register two back-to-back wins
Chennai Super Kings registered back-to-back wins against Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders after a poor begin to the IPL 2026 season. Due to this the team has improved their standings on the points table. Since 2024, it was only for the first time when the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team had registered consecutive wins in the cash-rich tournament.
In the meantime, the skipper himself is undergoing a difficult time. That is one area that the team management requires to address immediately. He is only struggled with the bat heavily. Right now, there is no batting position open for MS Dhoni which will only put more pressure on captain Gaikwad.
