MS Dhoni Returns To CSK Camp ahead of PBKS match in IPL 2026 (AFP)
With MS Dhoni temporarily ruled out of IPL 2026, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered a mortifying loss in their season opener against Rajasthan Royals. Under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy, CSK posted a modest target of 128, which RR chased in just 12.1 overs with 8 wickets in hand.
Though it’s too early to say, the dominating defeat at the hands of the Royals showcased the Super Kings' lack of what they need for the sixth trophy. However, a recent development regarding MS Dhoni’s injury comes ahead of a busy week for CSK, where they will meet Punjab Kings on April 3, followed by a high-octane southern derby against RCB on April 5.
MS Dhoni’s absence felt in CSK vs RR clash
It is worth noting that, after being asked to bat first, the Super Kings struggled throughout their innings and were bowled out for 127 in 19.4 overs. Not Ruturaj Gaikwad, not Sanju Samson, Jamie Overton was the top scorer for Chennai with 43 runs. And the rest of the batting lineup could not build partnerships.
In the chase, RR came out aggressively, led by a stunning knock from 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He smashed 52 runs off just 17 balls, giving the Royals a flying start.
Also read: MS Dhoni Leaves CSK Camp
Yashasvi Jaiswal anchored the chase with a steady unbeaten 38, while Dhruv Jurel added a quick 18 off 9 balls to keep the momentum going. Captain Riyan Parag remained not out on 14 as RR comfortably completed the chase to go on top of the table.
It seemed like, despite the high-profile trade of Sanju Samson, the five-time IPL winners, CSK, had no answer for the Rajasthan Royals in either innings. Safe to say, the Kings heavily missed their most successful captain, MS Dhoni’s batting and strategic prowess.
CSK’s Thala MS Dhoni returns to action despite injury
A visual during the DC vs LSG match on Wednesday on Star Sports showed 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.
It is worth noting that before the start of the legend was ruled out of the initial few games after sustaining a calf injury.
The franchise on March 28 confirmed that MS Dhoni is recovering from a calf strain and would miss the first two weeks of the tournament. According to the official statements, he has been undergoing rehabilitation and is expected to be unavailable for at least four matches.
Now, watching him back in action, fans are speculating his return to the Chennai Super Kings earlier than expected. Thus, after the thumping loss against the Rajasthan Royals, Dhoni’s return looks like a positive sign for the lacklustre CSK camp.
MS Dhoni injury update
Ahead of their campaign opener on Monday, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming gave an update on MS Dhoni’s injury, saying that his calf injury is being managed, and the legendary wicketkeeper-batter is still very involved with the side.
"It would be a game without him, but not a glimpse of life after MS Dhoni. He is still heavily involved with the side. We are managing and rehabilitating his injury, but his influence on the team is very strong," Fleming said at the pre-match press conference.
This season is a crucial reset for the five-time champions, who are looking to aggressively bounce back from a disappointing bottom-of-the-table finish last year.
Also read: Did RCB Remove Virat Kohli From Team Bus?
