MS Dhoni is still the key question mark for Chennai Super Kings as they prepare to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The matchup promises plenty of heat, but CSK once again have to plan without their iconic leader in the playing XI. RCB, meanwhile, arrive with early momentum after a solid opening win.
CSK’s situation has been tightened by recent results, with back-to-back losses against Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings. After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad addressed the latest on Dhoni’s progress. He said, “MS (Dhoni) is getting back slowly, sometimes it takes time, if he’s ready to play, it’ll be soon.”
Quick facts
- Match: Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (IPL 2026)
- Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and chose to bowl first
- Dhoni update: return is expected only if recovery goes as planned
- CSK are coming off losses to Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings
- RCB confidence boosted by a strong opening win
Dhoni’s absence has naturally sparked debate around how much the squad is missing his on-field presence, particularly in tight chase-and-defend scenarios. Earlier, CSK confirmed the reason for the delay: the wicketkeeper-batter is sidelined with a calf strain and is currently in rehabilitation. The franchise said, “MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026. Get well soon, Thala.”
Fleming on Dhoni’s role
Even without featuring in matches, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming made it clear Dhoni’s influence is not disappearing. He described Dhoni as still deeply involved with the group, saying, “It is just a game without him. He is still heavily involved in the side, and his influence remains very strong.” Fleming’s comments came before CSK’s meeting against Punjab Kings.
With the calf injury dictating his timetable, the most immediate concern is when Dhoni could realistically return to action. If recovery follows the expected path, he is in contention to come back when CSK take on Kolkata Knight Riders on April 14 in Chennai. Should that schedule slip, the following potential fixture for his return would be the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18.
CSK will also be watching the calendar closely for the high-pressure clash against Mumbai Indians on April 23. Having Dhoni back by then would add not only experience behind the stumps but also leadership at the core of CSK’s late-overs decision-making.
Playing XIs
Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Sanju Samson (w), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy.
