MS Dhoni’s involvement in Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2026 showdown with arch-rivals Mumbai Indians on Thursday remains uncertain, with the final decision expected to be made by the 44-year-old himself. CSK’s bowling coach Eric Simmons said the franchise’s medical team will examine Dhoni on matchday, but stressed that the ultimate call will rest with Dhoni if he feels he is fit enough to compete. “A decision on him (Dhoni) will be taken tomorrow by him and the medical staff, if he is absolutely ready to go,” Simmons said on the eve of the fixture.
CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, meanwhile, did not put a specific date on Dhoni’s return, but made it clear that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter is closing in on action. Gaikwad explained that Dhoni picked up the injury during a practice game, snapping his calf, and that the team has since focused on giving him the time needed to recover properly. “We were playing a practice match which is where he snapped his calf. He wasn’t been able to run as comfortably as he would like to due to the injury. Since then, it’s been all about taking time on his recovery. He is getting there slowly. Maybe, he might feature in the next game or the one after that. He will back one day definitely,” Gaikwad said at an event.
Dhoni’s progress was visible earlier this week as he completed his first wicketkeeping session of the IPL 2026 campaign at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday. The veteran has been missing from CSK’s lineup for the team’s first six matches while working his way back from that calf strain, with his return now being weighed carefully as the season moves into the crucial stages of the league phase.
CSK’s campaign so far has not been smooth. After six IPL 2026 fixtures, the five-time champions have managed just two wins, and they were left disappointed in their most recent match as they lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 10 runs. That defeat has left CSK placed eighth in the points table as they prepare for their next assignment at the Wankhede Stadium.
Looking ahead, Chennai will take on Mumbai Indians on April 23, with the Wankhede Stadium set to host the rivalry contest. Ahead of that clash, CSK also absorbed another setback as Ayush Mhatre—an in-form and key performer for the side—has been ruled out of IPL 2026.
