MS Dhoni for CSK. Image Credits: AFP
MS Dhoni missed being part of the CSK playing XI once again, this time getting ruled out of their home fixture against the Mumbai Indians on May 2. Yet to play a single match this IPL 2026 season owing to his calf injury, the cricketer has also not travelled to New Delhi for his team’s upcoming away duel against the Delhi Capitals.
It is worth noting that prior to the tournament, Dhoni was ruled out of the first two weeks of the IPL 2026 season owing to his injury concern. He has since missed nine matches for the CSK franchise played over the course of five weeks.
MS Dhoni still not match-fit, continues to rehab in Chennai
The CSK franchise is currently in Delhi as they gear up to face hosts Delhi Capitals in match number 48 of the IPL 2026 season. The match will be hosted by the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday, May 5.
Notably, franchise veteran MS Dhoni has not travelled to Delhi alongside his teammates. Instead, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter has decided to stay back in Chennai where he will continue to undergo his rehabilitation.
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Dhoni’s decision of staying back in Chennai pretty much indicates that the former Indian captain is still not match-ready. The CSK franchise, however, has not ruled him out of the remainder of the IPL 2026 season.
Earlier this month, a franchise official confirmed that MS Dhoni will be available to play at some point of the season. While speaking with Cricbuzz, the official said “He should be available at some stage.”
When will MS Dhoni return to the field?
There is still no official word regarding MS Dhoni’s return to the CSK playing XI this IPL 2026 season. While he is all set to miss the upcoming game against the Delhi Capitals, as evidenced by his travel arrangements, the CSK franchise will subsequently take on the LSG back in Chennai on Sunday, May 10 later this week.
One can assume that the cricketer might make his return to the field by then, provided he regains full match fitness and is cleared by the team management.
The 44-year-old has been already spotted multiple times in training sessions this season, indicating that he remains actively involved in preparation despite not featuring in matches.
CSK fight back to stay in contention for playoffs race
Without the services of its former captain, the CSK franchise has secured four wins in nine matches, with all four of those wins occurring in their last six appearances. Under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad, the team started off with three straight defeats, and are currently placed sixth on the IPL 2026 points table.
In a bid to qualify for the playoffs, the CSK franchise need to win at least four of its remaining five matches. Ruturaj Gaikwad and co. will now face the Delhi Capitals and the LSG (twice) over the course of the next 10 days of the tournament.
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