With the IPL entering its fourth week, the Chennai Super Kings still haven’t offered any firm update on whether MS Dhoni will be back in action. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter picked up a calf injury just before the tournament began, and CSK initially suggested he would miss around two weeks—an estimate that had fans hoping for a return by the third week. Yet, as of now, there’s been no clear sign of Dhoni making his comeback.
On Tuesday, Dhoni was seen working out at the Wankhede Stadium nets. He spent time in the batting area for an extended session and also completed keeping drills, which naturally sparked renewed belief that he could be in the squad for Thursday’s match against the Mumbai Indians. However, that optimism was quickly tempered the very next day.
What CSK said on Dhoni’s availability
- At the pre-match press conference in Mumbai, CSK bowling coach Eric Simmons said the decision on Dhoni’s return would be entirely in the hands of the player and the medical clearance process.
- Simmons made it clear that he would not announce a timeline from the podium, adding that Dhoni would only play when he felt ready and was cleared by the team’s medical staff.
“MS will only play when he feels he is ready to go and the medical team clears him, so I am not going to make any announcement sitting here,” Simmons said.
CSK injury troubles continue
Chennai’s season has been disrupted by a series of injuries. More recently, fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed was ruled out of the tournament after suffering a right quadriceps injury. In addition, Ayush Mhatre—part of the top-order set-up—has also been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign due to a hamstring problem.
CSK are yet to officially name replacements for the two injured players. Still, there are reports that Akash Madhwal, who previously played for Mumbai Indians, attended CSK’s trials in Hyderabad. Rajvardhan Hangargekar has also been linked with a trial session, with speculation that he took part in a workout with the franchise in Mumbai.
Impact on Chennai’s campaign
These setbacks have weighed on Chennai’s results. The five-time champions are placed in the lower half of the points table, having registered only two wins from four matches. They currently sit eighth after losing their opening three games. Chennai then made a recovery with consecutive victories at home, but the momentum was checked in their last outing against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad.
