MS Dhoni’s comeback trail for the IPL 2026 has hit yet another roadblock, with Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming confirming that the wicketkeeper-batter has “tweaked” his calf injury again. The setback means Dhoni’s return to the playing XI has been pushed back further, leaving CSK to navigate their season without their talismanic figure even as the campaign has already advanced to the eighth match.
Dhoni’s latest calf setback and CSK’s response
- Fleming said Dhoni aggravated the calf during a practice session after being expected to miss only the opening two weeks of IPL 2026.
- After Chennai’s defeat to Gujarat Titans on Sunday, the coach explained that the issue has taken longer than first believed due to the renewed problem.
- Fleming detailed that Dhoni is keen to get back, but warned that any further flare-up could keep him sidelined for good: “The calf is a tough one,” he said, adding that if he “takes off and rips the calf again” it would be a serious concern.
- He further noted that the management had already moved the recovery timeline forward after Dhoni tweaked the calf again during the warm-up phase, and since then Dhoni has been working hard to restore movement and readiness.
- Despite missing match action, Dhoni has continued training, including regular work in the nets with a focus on throwdowns, while gradually increasing his workload in the days leading up to the latest update.
Fleming also described how Dhoni’s training has evolved recently. On Saturday, the former CSK captain was seen sprinting under the watch of the team physio, followed by time facing spin bowlers and deliveries from batting coach Michael Hussey. In addition, during a practice session at the Wankhede Stadium ahead of last week’s game against Mumbai Indians, Dhoni was observed wearing the wicketkeeping gloves.
While offering clarity on the situation, Fleming stressed that the ultimate decision on Dhoni’s return belongs to the player, with the support staff continuing to monitor his condition closely. “He’s the guide on this one,” Fleming said, indicating that Dhoni is handling his rehabilitation work alongside the physio and that CSK are simply waiting for the right signal.
CSK’s season context
Chennai’s IPL 2026 journey has been uneven so far, with five defeats in their first eight matches placing them sixth in the points table. With a short window to reset, the franchise will have a five-day break before hosting arch-rivals Mumbai Indians on May 2. As talk around Dhoni’s availability continues to dominate headlines, CSK will be hoping his return arrives on time to help them regain momentum.
