No Timeline for MS Dhoni’s Return as Injury-Hit CSK Face Mumbai Indians
Chennai Super Kings will continue their IPL 2026 campaign without MS Dhoni, as the franchise confirmed there is no set date for his return. Dhoni sustained a calf injury prior to the season opener. Originally diagnosed with a two-week recovery period, his absence has now extended into the fourth week.
Training at Wankhede Offers False Hope
Optimism briefly surfaced Tuesday when Dhoni participated in net sessions at the Wankhede Stadium. The wicketkeeper-batter engaged in extensive batting and wicketkeeping drills, hinting at a potential return against the Mumbai Indians.
CSK bowling coach Eric Simons quickly dismissed speculation regarding an immediate comeback. Addressing the media, Simons clarified the team’s cautious approach to player fitness.
“MS will only play when he feels he is ready to go and the medical team clears him, so I am not going to make any announcement sitting here,” Simons stated.
CSK Injury Crisis Deepens
Dhoni’s prolonged absence compounds Chennai’s existing roster issues. The franchise has lost two additional players to season-ending injuries, forcing them to look for mid-season replacements.
- Khaleel Ahmed: Ruled out for the remainder of IPL 2026 with a right quadriceps injury.
- Ayush Mhatre: Sidelined for the season due to a severe hamstring issue.
The Chennai Super Kings management is actively scouting replacements. Former Mumbai Indians fast bowler Akash Madhwal recently attended trials in Hyderabad, while all-rounder Rajvardhan Hangargekar participated in a separate trial session in Mumbai.
Impact on Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2026 Campaign
Roster instability has directly affected CSK’s performance. Sitting eighth on the points table, the five-time champions hold a 2-4 record after six matches. They lost their first three games, briefly recovered with two consecutive home wins, but fell short in their latest fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
| CSK IPL 2026 Match Sequence | Result | Current Standing |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Three Fixtures | 3 Losses | 8th Place (4 Points) |
| Home Stand | 2 Wins | |
| vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | 1 Loss |
Chennai now faces the Mumbai Indians, who occupy the seventh spot. Mumbai enters the matchup carrying significant momentum following a 99-run victory over the Gujarat Titans. Fans can track the upcoming fixture statistics on ESPNcricinfo.