Chennai Super Kings fans may have to wait longer to see MS Dhoni on the field again. The 44-year-old veteran is still recovering from a calf strain sustained during pre-season training and is still a doubt for the home match against Delhi Capitals on April 11. Only the fitness test to be conducted in the next 2-3 days will be decisive, but the CSK management is adopting a cautious approach to avoid worsening the injury.
The CSK franchise had confirmed in late March that Dhoni has missed his first three matches of IPL 2026 (in which the team lost). He is undergoing rehabilitation (exercise to recover from injury) under the supervision of experts in Chennai. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has said that there is no set date for his return, and stressed that it is important for him to be fully fit before returning.
Most likely to return: April 18 against Kolkata Knight Riders (subject to his recovery). According to some optimistic reports, if he passes the upcoming fitness test, he may have a slight chance of playing in the match against DC, but most people are of the opinion of caution.
Dhoni’s absence is hurting the team a lot. Under the leadership of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK has looked a bit disintegrated in terms of captaincy, finishing the match and strategic decisions. Even at the age of 44, Dhoni’s understanding of the game, his ability to remain calm in difficult moments and his ability to boost the morale of the team are unmatched. This team, which finished at the bottom in IPL 2025, is still at the bottom of the points table without winning any match.
South African all-rounder Dewald Brevis is also out of the team due to side strain (muscle strain near the ribs) and has not been able to play the initial matches. Head coach Stephen Fleming hopes that Brevis may return a little earlier than Dhoni.
CSK’s injury problems have made the team’s poor start even more difficult. The management is giving more priority to the long-term recovery of the players rather than taking small risks in this long tournament. Fans are eagerly awaiting the return of ‘Thala’, which will provide the ‘Yellow Army’ campaign with the momentum and stability it needs most at this time.
