Chennai Super Kings have started to look like their old selves in IPL 2026, stringing together two straight victories after a rough patch. Ruturaj Gaikwad and the team bounced back from three consecutive defeats by beating Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders, putting their campaign back on track. Still, one absence has been felt most at Chepauk: MS Dhoni.
Quick facts
- CSK recorded two back-to-back wins in IPL 2026 after losing three matches in a row.
- MS Dhoni missed the first two weeks due to a calf strain and did not play when CSK faced KKR.
- CSK’s next match is against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18.
- Dhoni is reported to be nearing full fitness, with a final decision expected on Thursday.
- CSK posted 192/5 vs KKR after batting first.
- KKR finished at 160/7 and are winless in the tournament (four losses, one no result), currently bottom of the table.
- CSK climbed to eighth place with four points from five games.
Dhoni, now 44, sat out the opening fortnight with a calf issue. He was expected to return for the match against KKR, but ultimately did not take the field. With CSK preparing for their upcoming showdown with Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18, the mood around the franchise has lifted again as his return appears increasingly likely.
Reports suggest the wicketkeeper-batter is close to full fitness. A final call on whether he will be available is expected to be taken on Thursday, ahead of CSK’s contest in Hyderabad. The expectation is that Dhoni will decide whether to travel for the Saturday fixture against SRH.
CSK vs KKR: CSK set 193
Against KKR, CSK won the toss and elected to bat first, reaching a competitive 192/5 in their 20 overs. Sanju Samson provided the spark with a smooth 48 off 32 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes. Dewald Brevis then added impetus, scoring 41 off 29 deliveries with four fours and two maximums of his own.
KKR’s bowling had a clear highlight in Kartik Tyagi, who finished with figures of 2/35. Despite the pressure, CSK’s top and middle order did enough to set a target that would demand discipline from the chasing side.
KKR’s chase derailed late
KKR’s reply started poorly, slipping to 29/2 early. The innings briefly steadied through a 50-run partnership between captain Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi. Rahane made 28 off 22 balls, striking two sixes, while Raghuvanshi contributed 27 off 19, including three fours and a six.
Just when KKR looked like they could gather momentum, Noor Ahmad produced a turning spell that changed the complexion of the chase. After that intervention, KKR collapsed to 90/6 before eventually closing on 160/7, falling short of CSK’s total.
The result leaves KKR without a win so far in IPL 2026. They have suffered four defeats along with one no result, and they remain rooted to the bottom of the points table. CSK, meanwhile, have moved up to eighth place, collecting four points from five matches as their revival continues.
