Chennai Super Kings fans were intrigued on April 1 after visuals of MS Dhoni at a training session started circulating online, hinting at a possible comeback soon. But the timing also raised the familiar question: was this real progress or just an April Fools’ coincidence?
The franchise previously confirmed this Dhoni would miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026 due to a calf strain. “MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation due to a calf strain,” CSK said in a statement ahead of the opening match against Rajasthan Royals.
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DHONI BACK TO TRAINING
One of the clips shows Dhoni walking out with his bag while sitting in the net, a sight that quickly grabbed attention. While there have been no official updates on his condition, the veteran’s mere presence at practice has added fuel to speculation about his timeline.
Another visual shows Dhoni taking his time in the nets and facing a few deliveries in what appeared to be an easy over. He appeared to ease into his punches, focusing more on rhythm and timing rather than going all out, suggesting a controlled return to action.
The timing of the videos, which appeared on April 1, led to mixed reactions among fans. While many saw it as a positive sign that Dhoni’s comeback could come sooner than expected, others questioned whether the clips were recent or simply recirculated to coincide with April Fool’s Day.
There has been no official confirmation from CSK to suggest a change to the original timetable for the resumption, so the buzz is largely speculative.
CSK FEELS HIS PRESENCE
However, the impact of Dhoni’s absence is certain. CSK suffered an eight-wicket defeat against Rajasthan Royals in their opening match, after being restricted to just 127 on a pitch that was under cover due to rain.
Skipper Riyan Parag opted to pounce first and his side took full advantage of the conditions to keep CSK under pressure throughout. The five-time champions failed to build a partnership, with only Jamie Overton resisting with a steady 43.
The loss underlined the value that MS Dhoni brings not only as a finisher but also as a calming presence in the middle.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
02 Apr 2026 03:01 IST
