Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are searching for momentum in IPL 2026 after a miserable start, having lost their opening three matches and finding themselves rooted to the foot of the points table. The five-time champions have been beaten by the Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and the absence of their talisman MS Dhoni has only compounded the pressure. Dhoni is currently sidelined with a calf issue, and CSK had already indicated before the tournament that he would miss the first two weeks while continuing his rehabilitation.
However, there could be a significant turning point for CSK. The 44-year-old is in the frame to return to action in Chennai’s next fixture against Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday, April 11—provided his workload and fitness checks go to plan. Developments shared with the team in recent days suggest Dhoni is expected to complete a fitness assessment soon, and if he passes it, CSK are likely to clear him for inclusion in the Playing XI.
“We are expecting him to take a fitness test in the coming 2-3 days, and if everything works out, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t play against the Delhi Capitals,” a source close to the development said.
With Dhoni out of the lineup so far, CSK have looked far removed from the side that usually thrives under pressure. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy has also come under scrutiny as the team struggles to find stability. CSK suffered a 43-run loss to RCB on Sunday after conceding 250 runs while batting first, and Gaikwad’s own form has been limited—he has managed only 41 runs across three matches.
CSK’s problems have been intensified by the early returns from their new-look batting group. Sanju Samson, who moved to CSK after being traded from the Rajasthan Royals, has endured a similarly difficult start, failing to make an impact in the first three games. With Gaikwad and Samson both underperforming, CSK’s top-order has failed to provide the platform the franchise expects, leaving the squad to chase totals or defend under tough circumstances.
Adding to CSK’s list of issues is Dewald Brevis, who is yet to get a match due to injury. The South African youngster is, though, expected to be available for the next game against the Capitals. After CSK’s defeat to RCB, head coach Stephen Fleming said the team is being cautious with Brevis’s recovery but remains hopeful about a timely return.
“We hope he is going to be right for the next game. We have five days between the next game. We have been conservative, and hopefully, these next five days will go as well as we have planned, and he is ready to go. It’s a big loss, but we are looking forward to getting him back,” Fleming told reporters following the loss.
More about Dhoni
Dhoni has been seen training with CSK ahead of matches, but he has not been present in the dugout on game days. That absence is linked to protocols introduced by the IPL governing council. Ahead of the showdown with RCB, Gaikwad had also offered an update at the toss when Ravi Shastri asked for clarification on Dhoni’s progress.
“He is on track. He is getting there slowly. He is eager to play, but it takes time sometimes. It will be soon,” Gaikwad said.
Since Samson joined CSK, attention has increasingly turned to Dhoni’s longer-term future — and whether IPL 2026 could be his final campaign as a player. The 2011 World Cup-winning captain has been dealing with injuries over the past two years, which has restricted his involvement in the team. During IPL 2025, he also batted as low as No. 8 in multiple matches, a decision that drew significant scrutiny. Dhoni has further taken on responsibilities when needed, including stepping in as stand-in captain after Gaikwad suffered an injury mid-season.
Despite those efforts, CSK finished at the bottom of the points table for the first time in 18 years. Now, with early-season struggles piling up, a potential Dhoni return could be crucial for CSK’s attempt to reverse their fortunes—especially with the next match against Delhi Capitals looming in Chennai.
