MS Dhoni's Most-Trusted Decade-Long Friend Clears Air On His IPL 2026 Absence

Fleming breaks silence on MSD's absence [Source: AFP]

Half of the IPL 2026 season is over, and yet, there is no sign of MS Dhoni in the CSK playing XI, as frustration has crept amongst the die-hard MS Dhoni fans. The five-time IPL winner was sidelined from the ongoing tournament due to a calf strain injury, and that dented CSK’s campaign.

Initially, it was reported that MS Dhoni could be out for the first two weeks of the IPL 2026, but with each passing day, the timeframe increased as the 44-year-old had a slow recovery from the injury. He was expected to return for the El Clásico against the Mumbai Indians, but once again, the fans were left disappointed.

CSK have played 8 matches in IPL 2026, and their playoff qualification hangs in jeopardy as the side has already lost 5 out of the 8 games they have played. The CSK fans are waiting for their “Thala” to make a grand comeback, and after the drubbing at the hands of the Gujarat Titans, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming broke his silence on their star player.

Fleming breaks silence on MS Dhoni's IPL 2026 comeback

A disappointed Fleming attended the post-game press conference, and when asked about MSD’s possible IPL comeback, the head coach didn’t sound optimistic as he revealed the extent of his calf strain injury.

Fleming revealed that after the initial setback, MSD worked hard for a comeback, but the injury relapsed, and that led to his CSK delay.

"He's pretty keen. The calf is a tough one though. If he takes off and rips the calf again, then he will be gone. So we pushed it early, in the warmup game he tweaked it again, it's my understanding. Since then he has been just working hard to get some movement into it, but there was a setback. 

So it has taken longer than we thought. But look, he's the guide on this one, and he's working hard with the physio and doing all the rehab. We're just waiting for the word really. But all! can keep saying is stop making light of it, as he is progressing and doing everything he can," Fleming said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

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MS Dhoni practising in nets, but still not fully fit

Leading up to the CSK Vs GT IPL 2026 clash, there was a sense of optimism amongst the hardcore supporters that MS Dhoni could be available for the crucial clash. However, that has been the story before every CSK IPL match.

Some reports even suggested that MS Dhoni has not rushed to play for CSK as the former captain doesn’t want to disrupt the winning combination.

In the last couple of weeks, the Indian legend has done light running, and his training has intensified as he prepares for his IPL 2026 comeback. Before the MI Vs MI clash, Dhoni was seen doing glovework behind the stumps, but with Fleming’s statement not giving any ray of hope, there could be a chance that his return could be further delayed.

CSK's downfall in MS Dhoni's absence

Things have gone downhill for the Super Kings in MS Dhoni’s absence. He was the leader on and off the field, and without his expertise, CSK look a pale shadow of their former self.

Without him, the team started off with three back-to-back losses in a row, and it was then followed by two solid wins. A defeat against the Sunrisers dented their confidence before CSK humbled their rivals, Mumbai Indians.

However, a big defeat against the Titans has hampered their chances of qualifying for the IPL 2026 playoffs.

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