Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are already having a tough IPL 2026 season. Now, they may have to play without MS Dhoni once again.
The veteran wicket-keeper batter is doubtful for their upcoming home match against Delhi Capitals on Saturday, April 11, according to a report by Cricbuzz.
What Is the Injury?
Dhoni is recovering from a calf strain. CSK officials confirmed that he is still undergoing rehabilitation and is not yet match-ready.
CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan spoke to Cricbuzz and said: “MS is undergoing rehab and it will take some time. We can’t say how much time. We are hoping he will be available for the next game, but that will depend on his progress. We have a few days before the next match.”
How Long Has Dhoni Been Out?
Dhoni missed CSK’s first two matches of IPL 2026 due to the same calf injury. Before the match against Punjab Kings, he was spotted practicing with the team, which gave fans hope. However, his availability for that game was also uncertain at the time.
The franchise had earlier stated that Dhoni would miss at least two weeks of action and continue his rehabilitation during that period.
How Has CSK Performed Without Dhoni?
CSK have had a very poor start to IPL 2026. The team has lost all three matches played so far.
In their first match against Rajasthan Royals, CSK posted only 128 runs. Rajasthan chased it down in just 12.1 overs by 8 wickets.
Against Punjab Kings, CSK scored 210 but failed to defend the total.
In their third match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, CSK were bowled out for 207. RCB scored 250, the highest total conceded by CSK in IPL history, and won by 43 runs.
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad admitted after the RCB loss that he could have contributed more. “Great fight by Sarfaraz, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, even to some extent Shivam Dube. Maybe I would have contributed more at the top of the order. So definitely it’s on me today,” Gaikwad said.
What Happens Next?
CSK will face the Delhi Capitals at their home ground on April 11. Whether Dhoni will be fit to play depends entirely on how his rehabilitation progresses over the next few days. The team management has not confirmed his availability yet.
CSK will be hoping their former captain recovers in time, as the team clearly needs both his batting and wicket-keeping skills to turn their season around.
