Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming said MS Dhoni’s return from a calf strain has been delayed after the injury worsened during a warm-up match ahead of IPL 2026.Fleming gave the update after CSK lost by eight wickets to Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.Dhoni has been with the team since March and has been seen in training sessions and warm-up games, but has not played in any of CSK’s eight matches so far. He was also not on the ground on the day of the match.
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“We didn’t play good cricket” – Mahela Jayawardene after MI’s biggest IPL loss vs CSKFleming said injury remains a concern as another setback could rule Dhoni out for the season.“The calf is tough,” CSK head coach Stephen Fleming said after their eight-wicket loss to Gujarat Titans on Sunday. “If he takes off again and tears the calf, then he’s out (for the season). So we moved it early. He tweaked it again in the warmup, as I understand it. And since then, he’s just been working hard to get some movement into it. But there was a setback,” Fleming said during a press conference.The 44-year-old has played IPL matches while carrying an injury in the past, but this time the recovery is taking longer than CSK expected.Four days ago, CSK also shared a video on social media where captain Ruturaj Gaikwad explained what happened before the season.“You know, we played a practice game. That’s when he broke his calf and then he wasn’t able to run as comfortably as he wanted to,” he said.“And I think after that it was just about, he saw some of the lads play in practice games and play in match simulations where he felt confident enough with them, you know, who are ready, who have the ability to play in the IPL.“After that, it was just about taking time for his recovery. Slowly, slowly, he’s getting there. I never know, maybe next game, maybe after that, but definitely one day for sure.”CSK is currently sixth in the IPL 2026 table with three wins and five losses after eight matches.They have six league matches left in this season and their next match is on May 2 at home against Mumbai Indians.
