Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has confirmed that MS Dhoni’s return from a calf injury will take longer than expected, with the problem worsening during a warm-up game ahead of IPL 2026. The development comes after CSK suffered an eight-wicket defeat to Gujarat Titans at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.
Fleming’s update after CSK’s loss to Gujarat Titans
Fleming provided the latest assessment of Dhoni’s fitness following CSK’s loss, explaining that the calf issue is still a major concern for the team’s plans. Dhoni has been part of the squad since March and has appeared in training sessions and warm-ups, but he has not featured in any of CSK’s eight matches so far. He has also not been present at the venue on match days.
The head coach stressed that another recurrence could sideline Dhoni for the remainder of the season, adding that CSK opted to push the timeline forward after the injury worsened.
- Dhoni’s calf strain has been delayed after it deteriorated during a warm-up game before IPL 2026.
- He has been in the squad since March, practicing and warming up, but has played zero of CSK’s first eight matches.
- He has not been seen at the ground on match days so far.
- Fleming said the injury remains a worry because a further setback could rule him out for the whole campaign.
What Fleming said about the injury and the recovery timeline
During his press conference, Fleming described how the situation changed and why CSK moved early with their decision-making. He said that after Dhoni tried to get going, the calf failed again in the warm-up phase, and since then the wicketkeeper-batter has been working hard to regain movement and stability.
Fleming also pointed out that although Dhoni has previously played IPL matches while dealing with injuries, the current recovery is taking longer than CSK anticipated.
Fleming’s message was clear: the team has been cautious because the calf is “a tough one,” and if the injury is aggravated again after he resumes, Dhoni could be out for the entire season.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s earlier explanation on how it happened
Four days before Sunday’s match, CSK had shared a clip on social media featuring captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who outlined what occurred before the season started. Gaikwad said Dhoni sustained the calf injury during a practice game, after which he was unable to run as smoothly as he wanted to during subsequent sessions.
In the same video, Gaikwad added that the plan then shifted toward giving Dhoni the time he needed to recover. He also noted that Dhoni watched younger players take part in practice matches and simulations, and that those observations helped Dhoni feel more confident about who was ready to play in the IPL.
- Gaikwad said Dhoni snapped his calf during a practice match.
- After the injury, Dhoni could not run comfortably as he aimed to.
- Gaikwad suggested the next phase was about allowing time for recovery.
- He added that Dhoni observed youngsters in practice games and match simulations while assessing readiness for IPL action.
- Gaikwad expressed hope that Dhoni could return “maybe next game” or “after that,” but indicated a return “one day for sure.”
CSK’s IPL 2026 standing and upcoming fixture
At present, CSK sit sixth in the IPL 2026 points table after eight matches, having collected three wins and suffering five defeats. The team still has six league games left in the season.
CSK’s next outing is scheduled at home against Mumbai Indians on May 2.
