The biggest question surrounding the early days IPL 2026 it’s not just about wins and losses, it’s when MS Dhoni will return to the field for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The legendary goalkeeper-turned-playmaker, who continues to command a huge fan following, has been sidelined since the start of the season and supporters have been eagerly awaiting a glimpse of their beloved superstar in yellow.
Dhoni’s absence not only created a void in the leadership but also affected the overall balance of the team. Fans across the country are closely following every update on his fit, hoping for a quick turnaround. While speculation continues to surround his availability for the upcoming matches, the franchise has maintained a cautious stance, prioritizing his long-term fitness rather than returning him to action.
CSK CEO provides an update on MS Dhoni’s availability
Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan provided the latest on Dhoni’s fitness, confirming that the veteran is still undergoing rehabilitation from a calf strain sustained before the tournament, meaning he will miss the clash with him. Delhi Capitals (DC).
Dhoni has already missed the team’s first three matches and is currently undergoing a structured rehabilitation program in Chennai under the supervision of the franchise’s medical and support staff. According to Viswanathan, there is no exact timeline for his return as the management is being cautious.
“MS is going through rehab and it’s going to take some time. We can’t say how long.” Viswanathan said, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
While there is no official confirmation yet, reports suggest that CSK are now eyeing a potential comeback during their home matches. Kolkata Knight Ridersscheduled for around mid-April. However, his participation will depend entirely on fitness assessments and how well he responds to rehabilitation in the coming days.
Also READ: As the death bowling woes deepen in IPL 2026, the former batsman questions CSK’s tactics.
After a poor start in IPL 2026, CSK is under pressure
Dhoni’s absence has coincided with a tough start for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026. The five-time champions are bottom of the table after three consecutive defeats, raising concerns about their early season campaign.
One of the most prominent issues has been their bowling performance, especially in the death overs. The team has conceded runs at an alarming economy of 16.65 during the final overs, the worst ever among all teams. This made it difficult for CSK to contain the opposition shots at crucial moments of the game.
Furthermore, the batting unit has struggled to provide a solid start. A low scoring rate coupled with frequent goaltending on the power play put the middle order under a lot of pressure. Without Dhoni’s calm presence and tactical awareness, the team showed composure in key situations.
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