Still there is no confirmation on return of MS Dhoni as Chennai Super Kings continue to navigate IPL 2026 without their former captain. Just before the begin of the IPL 2026 season, MS Dhoni had suffered a calf injury, and while the franchise initially indicted recovery period of a two-week, now, his absence has stretched into the fourth week with no confirmed comeback date.
On Tuesday, there was a brief surge of optimism when Dhoni was seen training at the Wankhede Stadium. Wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni spent considerable time batting in the nets and also went through drills of wicketkeeping, advising he could be in contention for upcoming encounter of CSK against the Mumbai Indians. However, those hopes were immediately tempered.
Ahead of the match, addressing the media, bowling coach of CSK Eric Simmons made it clear that there would be no rushed decision on return of Dhoni.
Simmons told “MS will only play when he feels he is ready to go and the medical team clears him, so I am not going to make any announcement sitting here,”
The uncertainty on availability of Dhoni comes at a time when Chennai Super Kings are already dealing with multiple injury setbacks. With a right quadriceps injury, fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed has been ruled out of the IPL 2026 tournament, while due to a hamstring issue, top-order batter Ayush Mhatre has also been sidelined for the remaining of season.
Replacements are yet to officially name by the franchise. Reports indicate that former Mumbai Indians pacer Akash Madhwal attended trials of CSK in Hyderabad, while with the team in Mumbai, Rajvardhan Hangargekar is also believed to have taken part in a trial session.
These disturbances have impacted campaign of CSK. Currently,with two wins out of four matches, the five-time champions are placed eighth on the points table.
