Ruturaj Gaikwad provides update on MS Dhoni (Source: AFP Photos)
The question of the hour for cricket fanatics remains the same for some time: when will MS Dhoni be in action during IPL 2026? To clear the air more, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad provided a fresh update on their beloved ‘Thala’ on Saturday during the toss time against Delhi Capitals at Chepauk.
For those who are unaware, Dhoni is yet to play a single minute for CSK in IPL 2026. He has been sidelined since the beginning due to a calf muscle strain. It was earlier reported that he would not be there when CSK versus DC takes place.
However, Gaikwad mentioned that it was not the case, as Dhoni was there at the stadium. Nevertheless, he clarified that in what capacity he was there.
Ruturaj Gaikwad Confirms MS Dhoni To Be Back Soon
After the DC captain Axar Patel won the toss and asked CSK to bat first, Ruturaj Gaikwad was asked about the status of MS Dhoni. There, Gaikwad told the broadcasters that he is at the team hotel to support the side and will soon be on the field wearing the Yellow jersey.
"He's (MS Dhoni) at the hotel watching us play and supporting us. Soon, really soon, hopefully, he will be on the ground," Ruturaj Gaikwad told the broadcasters at the toss time.
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Who Has Been Keeping CSK In MS Dhoni's Absence?
As Dhoni is not available behind the stumps for CSK, CSK decided to give the big gloves to Sanju Samson. The former Rajasthan Royals captain joined CSK ahead of IPL 2026, as a blockbuster trade deal involving Ravindra Jadeja was completed between the two franchise before the last auction.
Although CSK have plenty of wicket-keeping options, with Sarfaraz Khan and Kartik Sharma being other wicket-keeping options, the five-time champions relied on Samson for better results.
Meanwhile, Kartik Sharma, for whom CSK paid a whopping INR 14.2 crore price, has been dropped from CSK’s playing XI versus Delhi Capitals.
Chennai Super Kings Playing XI Vs Delhi Capitals
Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Khaleel Ahmed
Impact Subs: Akeal Hosein, Matthew Short, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Matt Henry
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Dewald Brevis Back For CSK
While Dhoni’s return to IPL has been a subject for discussion, CSK fans were equally worried about the availability of Dewald Brevis. The South African sensation, fondly called Baby AB due to his batting similarities with the great AB De Villiers, due to a side strain, failed to have a game this season.
However, Brevis is now back, as confirmed by Gaikwad only. Dhoni, on the other hand, will not be on the sidelines much longer.
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