MS Dhoni IPL 2026 Injury update (AFP)
The speculations regarding MS Dhoni’s availability for Chennai Super Kings continue to mount as they prepare for the upcoming CSK vs DC, IPL 2026 match on Tuesday.
It is worth noting, after a disastrous start to their IPL 2026 campaign, the 5-time IPL winners secured their first victory of the season against Delhi Capitals. Riding on Sanju Samson’s magnificent 56-ball 115 not out and Ayush Mhatre’s 59 off 36, CSK registered a 23-run victory on Saturday.
The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led CSK will be looking to build on their recent momentum when they face a winless Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming 2026 Indian Premier League contest. The match is scheduled for Tuesday at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium.
That being said, let's talk a look at what are the latest updates on Dhoni IPL 2026 injury.
CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad breaks silence on MS Dhoni's availability for the CSK vs KKR Match
The former skipper has been out of CSK playing 11 since the start of the tournament. MS Dhoni had picked up a calf injury during pre-season training, ruling him out of the first two weeks of CSK’s campaign. Though still recovering, recent sightings at Chepauk have offered fans a glimpse of hope.
At the toss ahead of Saturday’s CSK vs DC clash, broadcaster Ravi Shastri posed the question that every supporter had been asking: “Where is MS Dhoni?” Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad did not dodge it.
Also read: Nitish Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad Punished By BCCI After CSK's 1st Win In IPL 2026
“For those asking about MS Dhoni, he’s at the hotel watching and supporting us. But yes, very soon, you’ll see him out on the ground,” Gaikwad told Shastri at the toss.
The reply was brief but quite intense. “Very soon” doesn’t sound like a player who’ll be back in a few weeks. It sounds like his comeback might only be a few days, and that’s all it took to get the CSK fanbase excited.
Will MS Dhoni Play CSK vs KKR IPL 2026 Match?
Having missed the opening four fixtures of the 2026 season due to a lingering calf injury, the 44-year-old is ‘working tirelessly’ for a return to the playing 11.
On the day of CSK’s recent 23-run victory over Delhi Capitals, head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed that fans will soon see their star in action. “Dhoni is working hard to get back,” Fleming said at the pre-match press conference.
However, he stressed that the franchise would not risk aggravating the injury, particularly given the length of the tournament.
Now talking about whether MS Dhoni will play today’s CSK vs KKR IPL 2026 Match.
While some reports suggest he is pushing to play, others, along with CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s recent statement, indicate that Dhoni’s availability on April 14 remains uncertain and depends on a final fitness test for his recurring calf injury.
Also read: Rohit Sharma Ruled Out Of IPL 2026 Matches? Latest Update Issued
