Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has confirmed that MS Dhoni's return from a calf strain has been delayed after the injury worsened during a warm-up game ahead of IPL 2026. Fleming provided the update following CSK's eight-wicket defeat to Gujarat Titans at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.
Dhoni's Absence Continues
Dhoni has been with the squad since March and has participated in practice sessions and warm-up games, but he has not played any of CSK's eight matches so far. He has also been absent from the ground on match days. Fleming expressed concern that another setback could rule Dhoni out for the entire season.
"The calf is a tough one," Fleming said after the loss to Gujarat Titans. "If he takes off and rips the calf again, then he will be gone for the whole season. So we pushed it early. In a warm-up game, he tweaked it again, is my understanding. And since then, he has been just working hard to get some movement into it. But there was a setback."
Recovery Takes Longer Than Expected
The 44-year-old veteran has previously played IPL matches while carrying injuries, but this time the recovery process is taking longer than CSK anticipated. Four days ago, CSK shared a video on social media in which captain Ruturaj Gaikwad explained the situation.
"You know, we were playing a practice match. That's when he snapped his calf and then he wasn't able to run as comfortably as he wanted to," Gaikwad said. "And I think after that, it was just about, he saw some of the youngsters playing in practice games and playing in match simulations where he felt confident enough on them, you know, who are ready, who have that ability to play in the IPL."
"After that, it was just about taking time on his recovery. Slowly, slowly, he is getting there. Never know, maybe next game, maybe after that, but definitely one day for sure."
CSK's Current Standing
CSK are currently sixth on the IPL 2026 points table after eight matches, with three wins and five losses. They have six league matches left this season, and their next game will be at home against Mumbai Indians on May 2.
