Chennai Super Kings are still managing uncertainty around the fitness of former captain MS Dhoni, who remains out of action due to an injury. With the April 11 meeting against Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium now looking increasingly unlikely for the veteran, attention is shifting toward a potential return in the next home assignment against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Key takeaways
- MS Dhoni is sidelined with a calf problem and is not expected to be ready for CSK’s April 11 clash versus Delhi Capitals.
- He is currently in rehabilitation for a calf strain and may require at least another week to regain match readiness.
- Dhoni has missed CSK’s first three matches and has not travelled with the squad for away games in Guwahati (March 30) and Bengaluru (April 5).
- CSK’s upcoming Chepauk schedule includes games against Delhi Capitals on April 11 and Kolkata Knight Riders on April 14.
- Dewald Brevis is also unavailable for now due to a side strain, though CSK are hopeful he could be available for the Delhi fixture.
- CSK have endured a difficult season start, losing their opening three matches and sitting at the bottom of the table.
Dhoni’s injury timeline and return hopes
Dhoni picked up a calf injury ahead of IPL 2026 and has missed Chennai’s opening trio of matches. With his recovery ongoing, the current expectation is that he may need at least a further week before he can be considered match-fit. The situation has led CSK to treat his immediate comeback plans with caution, especially for the Delhi Capitals game on April 11.
Chennai will play two matches at Chepauk within the next week: the first against Delhi Capitals on April 11, followed by a home fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 14. Given where things stand, the odds are considered unfavourable for Dhoni to return in time for the Delhi game, while the Kolkata contest is now viewed as the more realistic target.
The 44-year-old has also not been part of the squad for CSK’s away assignments—he stayed behind for the trip to Guwahati on March 30 and for the match in Bengaluru on April 5. Instead, he has continued his recovery in Chennai. He was similarly absent from Chepauk during CSK’s only home match so far this season against Punjab Kings, adding to the growing concern around his fitness.
As the rehabilitation progresses, Dhoni is being monitored by CSK’s support staff, including the team physio and a masseur. There is also a positive sign in the form of a batting session in the nets, which suggests he has made some headway—enough to keep hopes alive for an earlier return than later.
Broader fitness concerns and CSK’s season struggles
Dhoni’s absence is not the only injury headache for CSK. The team has also been without Dewald Brevis, who is recovering from a side strain. Even so, the franchise remains optimistic that Brevis could be available for the April 11 match against Delhi, which would be a significant boost for a batting unit that has been under pressure.
CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan offered an update on Dhoni’s situation, saying that the rehabilitation process is ongoing and that it will take some time. He added that the exact timeline cannot be guaranteed, though CSK are hoping Dhoni may be ready for the next game, with the decision largely dependent on how his progress looks in the days leading up to it.
On the season front, CSK are enduring one of their toughest starts in recent memory. They have lost all three of their opening games, leaving them at the foot of the points table. This follows their worst IPL start in 2022, when they were beaten in their first four matches. Their home record has also been a concern: since 2023, CSK have won only three of their last 15 matches at Chepauk, including a five-game losing streak at the venue—their worst run there.
