MS Dhoni did not accept the field for Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2026 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, despite travelling with the team to Hyderabad. The 44-year-old former captain has been absent from the first two weeks of the tournament due to a calf strain sustained during pre-season training, a layoff that was initially expected to last until after the SRH game.
Chennai Super Kings shared a video on Instagram on Friday showing Dhoni batting in the nets, striking the ball cleanly and clearing the ropes, which intensified fan anticipation for his return. Though, the franchise provided no official update on his availability ahead of the match, and team sources indicated they were not taking any chances with his fitness despite the initial recovery period having ended.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, who captained CSK in the absence of Dhoni, addressed the speculation during the toss for the Delhi Capitals match earlier on Saturday, stating that Dhoni was with the team hotel and could return to play in the near future. Gaikwad told fans watching on television that they would soon see Dhoni back on the field, though he did not specify a timeline.
The Indian Express reported that Dhoni is now nearing full fitness and could make his return in the upcoming match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on April 23. Sources within the CSK camp said he has been participating in practice sessions, including throwdowns, without showing any signs of discomfort.
Despite missing the opening games, Dhoni remains one of the IPL’s most consistent performers, having scored 5,439 runs in 242 innings at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45 across 278 matches. Last season, he contributed 196 runs from 13 innings as CSK finished at the bottom of the table, and he was retained as an uncapped player for ₹4 crore ahead of IPL 2025, a contract that continues into 2026.
Chennai Super Kings began the 2026 campaign with two wins from their first five matches, having lost their first three games under Gaikwad’s leadership before beating Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders to regain momentum. The team currently sits eighth in the points table.
Will Dhoni play in CSK’s next match against Mumbai Indians?
He is expected to return for the clash against Mumbai Indians on April 23 at the Wankhede Stadium, according to sources cited by the Times of India, though no official confirmation has been given by the franchise.
What did Ruturaj Gaikwad say about Dhoni’s absence?
Gaikwad stated that Dhoni was with the team hotel and could return to play in the near future, telling fans watching on television that they would soon see him back on the field.
How has CSK performed in Dhoni’s absence so far in IPL 2026?
Chennai Super Kings have won two of their first five matches, losing their first three before beating Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders to sit eighth in the points table.
