Chennai Super Kings remain in contention for an IPL 2026 playoff spot, but the biggest talking point around the franchise continues to be Mahendra Singh Dhoni. After a calf problem initially ruled him out for a two-week spell, the injury was aggravated again when he hurt the same area once more. The latest update from the CSK camp, however, is encouraging: Dhoni has begun training and has even started bowling in the nets.
A CSK video shared on May 7, 2026 captured Dhoni working in the practice environment, and in the clip he can be heard saying, “Wicket chahiye humko (I need a wicket).” Dhoni is also CSK’s most decorated captain, having led the side to five IPL titles.
Before this positive phase, Dhoni was absent for CSK’s clash against Delhi Capitals in Delhi. Bowling coach Eric Simmons confirmed ahead of that match that the wicketkeeper-batter would miss the game, which turned out to be his tenth absence of the season. Simmons also made it clear that fitness timelines were out of his hands, stating: “Update on MS Dhoni is way above my pay grade. He’s not with us, but he’s improving. He will be ready when he’s ready. He knows when he’s ready to play.”
Dhoni had picked up the calf injury during the pre-season camp, and despite being part of the squad setup since March—with regular appearances in practice games and net sessions shared widely across social media—he has not yet played a single match for CSK in the ongoing IPL. Even with him present in training, the team has kept him out of actual playing action so far.
From a contract perspective, CSK retained Dhoni as an “uncapped player” ahead of IPL 2025 for ₹4 crore, and that arrangement was extended into IPL 2026 without any change to his salary, keeping it at ₹4 crore.
On the batting front, Dhoni had a solid IPL 2025 season, scoring 196 runs across 14 matches. He finished with an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17.
CSK, meanwhile, are currently placed sixth on the points table. The franchise had a difficult start that included three successive defeats, but they have bounced back since then, keeping their campaign alive as the season builds towards the playoff race.
Earlier in the IPL 2026 build-up, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey explained why Dhoni was not attending the team’s matches at that stage. Hussey said Dhoni deliberately chose to stay away because he did not want to become a distraction for the side. “He’s such a team-oriented guy, MS Dhoni. He always wants what’s best for the team, and he was worried that if he came, there’d be a bit too much of a distraction. Obviously, the cameras would be on him a lot. The crowd would be cheering for him and things like that,” Hussey said.
With Dhoni now reportedly training—and bowling in the nets—CSK will be watching closely for signs that his calf issue is truly behind him and that his return can be planned at the right time for the run-in to the playoffs.
