Chennai Super Kings are facing fresh worries over MS Dhoni’s fitness, with the 44-year-old still not close to being match-ready as of Tuesday, April 7. The franchise has not received any firm indication yet on when the wicketkeeper-batter will be available for the next fixture—against Delhi Capitals on April 11—and CSK’s immediate planning is being shaped by the calf issue that has kept him out of action.
Dhoni’s calf strain keeps him away from contention
CSK sources have confirmed that Dhoni is currently in rehabilitation for a calf muscle strain. At this stage, the team believes he may require at least another week before he is fit enough to take part in a match. With that timeline, his participation in the upcoming Delhi Capitals game is considered highly unlikely.
Schedule pressure for CSK in the next week
Over the following seven days, Chennai will play two home matches at Chepauk. The first is the clash with Delhi Capitals on April 11, followed by a meeting with Kolkata Knight Riders on April 14. Dhoni’s recovery is expected to be the deciding factor for both games, though the odds are stacked against him even for the KKR encounter.
- Delhi Capitals visit Chepauk on April 11
- Kolkata Knight Riders come to Chepauk on April 14
- Dhoni is almost certain to miss the April 11 game
- CSK also view his appearance against KKR as doubtful, depending on how his rehab progresses
Where Dhoni has been and what CSK officials say
Dhoni has chosen not to travel with the squad for the team’s away outings, including the trip to Guwahati on March 30 and the match in Bengaluru on April 5. During that period, CSK played a home match against Punjab Kings, and Dhoni’s absence from the team environment sparked further speculation.
It has since been understood that Dhoni is in Chennai with his family. He is undergoing rehabilitation under the supervision of dedicated CSK support staff, including a physiotherapist and a masseur. In addition, he reportedly completed a batting session at the CSK nets a couple of days ago.
Speaking about the situation, Kasi Viswanathan, the CEO of CSK, said: “MS is undergoing rehab and it will take some time. We can’t say how much time.” He also added that there are positive signs for another player currently working through an issue—Dewald Brevis, who missed the start of the season with a side strain. Viswanathan noted, “We are hoping he will be available for the next game, but that will depend on how he progresses. We have a few days before the next game.”
CSK’s poor start and Dhoni’s role in the campaign
Dhoni’s fitness concerns arrive as CSK’s campaign has already suffered a sharp dip in the first three matches. The five-time champions are yet to open their account on the points table for the season.
Historically, CSK’s current form at the beginning of an IPL year is their second-worst losing run in the competition. The only poorer opening came in 2022, when they lost their first four matches. Last season, CSK finished at the bottom of the points table, but their start was unusual: they won their first match and then dropped their next five games, before ultimately ending with four wins from 14 appearances.
