Chennai Super Kings will continue to be without MS Dhoni, with the franchise confirming that the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman will miss the next match in IPL 2026 as he continues to recover from a calf injury.
Dhoni, who has been unavailable since the start of the season, will also sit out CSK’s upcoming match against Delhi Capitals on April 11. Speculations about his return intensified after footage of him training in the nets surfaced online, raising hopes of an early return among fans.
However, speaking to Cricbuzz, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan made it clear that there is no firm timetable for Dhoni’s return.
“MS is undergoing rehabilitation and it will take some time. We cannot say how long,” he said.
DHONI’S ABSENCE WAS FELT AT CSK
Dhoni’s absence has left a considerable void in the CSK line-up and the team is struggling to find stability on the field. The former Indian captain has been the backbone of the franchise for a long time and has contributed not only as a player but also as a leadership presence in pressure situations.
His injury ruled him out of key matches, including the clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 5, after which CSK slipped to the bottom of the points table with a net rate of -2.517.
CSK’s results so far reflect their difficult start to IPL 2026. The team suffered an eight-wicket defeat against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, followed by a five-wicket loss to Punjab Kings at home and then a 43-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Fans expected Dhoni to return for the home match against Punjab Kings but he did not feature.
Despite the setbacks, a recent practice session offered a brief moment of optimism. On 7 April, Dhoni was seen practicing in the nets where he hit several towering sixes during a session that quickly went viral on social media.
While those visuals reignited hopes for a quick return, the latest update from the franchise suggests that his return will take longer as his rehab continues.
BREVIS COMES TO A COMEBACK
Meanwhile, young South African batsman Dewald Brevis is also recovering well after being ruled out by a side strain earlier in the tournament. The franchise remains hopeful of his availability in the upcoming matches.
Providing an update, the CEO said:
“Hopefully he will be available for the next game, but that will depend on how he develops. We have a few days until the next game.”
With Dhoni still in rehab, CSK will once again head into the April 11 match against Delhi Capitals without their most experienced batsman.
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Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
08 Apr 2026 16:12 IST
