MS Dhoni injuries in IPL 2026 (Source: X.com & AFP)
Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in a high-octane IPL 2026 at the iconic M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
With Chennai playing their final home game of the campaign, fans have been hoping to witness former CSK captain, MS Dhoni, in action one last time before he potentially announces his retirement from the T20 league.
However, as it came, Ruturaj Gaikwad confirmed the ouster of MS Dhoni from today’s IPL 2026 match, leaving one and all heartbroken.
That being said, in this article, explore the chronology of injuries to the beloved ‘Thala’ in the ongoing edition of the IPL.
MS Dhoni Injury Timeline In IPL 2026
Just two games to go before the Chennai Super Kings’ league stage of the IPL 2026 concludes, but MS Dhoni hasn’t played a single match. Hence, here’s an elaborate explanation of all injuries incurred by the former CSK captain.
Also read: Fans Lose Calm With No Signs Of MS Dhoni As CSK Play Their Final Home Game In IPL 2026
1. Ruled out for two weeks due to calf strain (March 28)
Ahead of the start of the tournament, the franchise confirmed the bad news of MS Dhoni being ruled out for the first 2 weeks of the IPL 2026, sustaining a calf injury.
2. First appearance since injury (April 1)
A visual during the DC vs LSG match number 5 of the IPL 2026 on Star Sports displayed MS Dhoni sweating hard in the nets. Practising in the nets, the former India captain looked in decent touch. He seemed to be middling the ball quite well and looked in control of his shots despite the injury.
3. Michael Hussey confirmed Dhoni's progression (April 19)
Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey confirmed that MS Dhoni was progressing nicely in his injury rehab. Speaking on the matter, Hussey stated that while Dhoni was batting well in the nets, the priority was to build his running speed and regain confidence for the backend of the innings.
4. Head coach Fleming announces massive setback (April 26)
CSK head coach Stephen Fleming revealed that the former captain suffered a fresh setback after re-aggravating a calf injury during a warm-up game. Fleming stated that rushing the recovery could tear the calf again and risk ruling him out for the rest of the IPL 2026 season.
5. Positive updates on MS Dhoni injury recovery (May 1)
Earlier in May, it was reported that Dhoni had successfully recovered from a persistent calf strain and was back to training at full intensity.
Also read: MS Dhoni IPL Future - CSK Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad Drops Massive Update
While he was seen batting and wicketkeeping in practice, looking sharp, the Chennai Super Kings management took a highly cautious approach to prevent re-injury and ensure his long-term match fitness.
6. The surprising ‘No Show’ in Lucknow after much hype (May 13)
Ahead of CSK’s 12th match of the season against Lucknow Super Giants, reports surfaced that CSK had booked Dhoni's flight ticket for the team's upcoming away game. Despite having a ticket, Dhoni pulled out of the trip and stayed back in Chennai, prolonging his wait for an IPL 2026 appearance.
7. Former CSK legend hints at Dhoni’s return (May 16)
Ahead of the high-octane CSK vs SRH match on May 18, Ravichandran Ashwin recently sparked intense speculation about MS Dhoni's status for the 2026 IPL, with updates centring on his recovery from a calf injury and his long-term future.
8. Most recent thumb injury (May 18)
MS Dhoni missed CSK’s final home game of the IPL 2026 season against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Chepauk due to a fresh thumb injury sustained during a practice session.
While initial reports indicated he had recovered from the calf strain that kept him out of the first 12 matches of the season, this late setback forced him to remain sidelined.
Also read: Watch - MS Dhoni Takes Field For First Time In IPL 2026
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