'He is Working Hard With Physio...': CSK Head Coach Shares Worriesome Update On MS Dhoni's IPL 2026 Comeback

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming revealed that legendary wicketkeeper batter MS Dhoni's return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has been delayed further as he suffered a fresh calf injury during a warm-up game.

Notably, CSK have now played eight IPL 2026 matches without MS Dhoni, who sustained a calf injury during a training session before the tournament.

Fleming said Dhoni was first expected to return within a couple of weeks, but his calf injury became more serious after it got aggravated again. Because of that, the team has had to be much more careful with his recovery.

“Yeah, 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,” said Fleming in the post-match press conference.

“So we pushed it early and then in a warm-up game he tweaked it again, it’s my understanding. And 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.”

Fleming explained that Dhoni is working closely with the team’s physios and is doing everything possible to return to action as soon as he can.

“And he’s working hard with the physio and doing all the rehab. And we’re just waiting for the word. But all I can keep saying, and it’s not making light of it, is he is progressing and doing everything he can.”

CSK now have a five-day break before their next match against the Mumbai Indians, and during this time, the team will continue to check on Dhoni’s fitness. However, there are chances that MS Dhoni will most likely to miss that game as well.

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Even though Dhoni has been seen regularly at training sessions, he has mostly been doing throwdowns and light work. Recently, he was also spotted doing wicketkeeping drills that sparked speculations about his comeback.

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Coming back to CSK's last clash against Gujarat Titans (GT), after being asked to bat the five-time champions manage 158/7. Kagiso Rabada was excellent with the ball, picking up 3 wickets for 25 runs, while Mohammed Siraj also bowled well and took 1 for 23.

While chasing, Gujarat Titans chased down the target comfortably in just 16.4 overs, adding more pressure on CSK as the season moves forward.