MS Dhoni is yet to travel to New Delhi, where Chennai Super Kings are set to face Delhi Capitals on Tuesday, May 6. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter has remained in Chennai and is continuing his rehabilitation for a calf injury. While it is clear he is not fully match-ready, CSK officials have not ruled out a return at some point during the current campaign.
Quick facts
- Dhoni is staying in Chennai and continues rehab for a calf problem.
- CSK’s next match is vs Delhi Capitals in New Delhi on Tuesday, May 6.
- A senior CSK official said Dhoni “should be available at some stage”.
- CSK have five games remaining in the season.
- CSK are sixth in the points table with four wins from nine matches.
- Dhoni has not played any match this season.
- Dhoni’s previous IPL appearance was against Gujarat Titans on May 25, 2025.
- MI’s Rohit Sharma’s availability for the home match vs Lucknow Super Giants on Monday night is still unclear.
- Rohit last played on April 12 and has been sidelined with a hamstring injury for five games (four losses for MI).
“He should be available at some stage,” a senior team official indicated. That keeps the door open for Dhoni, even though CSK will likely have to manage without him in the immediate Delhi fixture. The franchise still believes there is time for a possible comeback before the season ends.
With five matches left, CSK’s schedule after the Delhi game is tightly packed. They will host Lucknow Super Giants on May 10, then play their return encounter against Rishabh Pant’s side in Lucknow on May 15. Next, Chennai take on Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 18 before finishing their league programme in Ahmedabad against Gujarat Titans on May 21.
Dhoni has not featured in a single IPL match this season. His last outing in the tournament came against Gujarat Titans almost a year ago, on May 25, 2025. Despite the absence so far, CSK’s current position keeps the prospect of a late-season impact alive if he regains fitness in time.
Chennai Super Kings sit sixth in the points standings, having won four of their first nine games. The team remains in the hunt for a top-four finish, and the path forward requires at least four more wins from their remaining fixtures. Every result now carries extra weight as the playoff race tightens.
MI: Rohit’s call left to him
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians’ situation hinges on Rohit Sharma’s fitness and decision-making for Monday night. His availability is still uncertain, but there are positive signs coming out of the MI camp. It is understood that the team management has left the final call to Rohit himself on whether he will take part in the home game against Lucknow Super Giants.
Rohit has been out of action since April 12. On Sunday evening, he batted for nearly an hour at the Wankhede after working through fitness drills, a session that followed a travel day for Mumbai. Rohit arrived at the ground along with head coach Mahela Jayawardene and stayed for an extended batting spell, adding momentum to the possibility of his return.
The hamstring injury has ruled him out of five matches so far, and Mumbai have lost four of those games. With Monday night’s fixture carrying significant importance, Rohit may be leaning toward playing if he feels he can handle the workload safely. For now, the decision remains firmly in his hands, with MI waiting for the confirmation.
