MS Dhoni Injury Update before CSK vs MI IPL 2026 Match: Will He Play against Mumbai Indians Today?

The IPL 2026 season has delivered its fair share of drama, but few storylines have captured fans’ attention like the prolonged absence of MS Dhoni.

As Chennai Super Kings prepare to host arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in the high-voltage return leg at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on May 2, the big question remains: will the 44-year-old legend finally make his first appearance of the season?

Dhoni’s presence has defined CSK’s identity for nearly two decades, and his absence has left a noticeable void in both the middle order and behind the stumps.

MS Dhoni Injury Update

Dhoni has missed the entire IPL 2026 campaign so far due to a calf injury sustained during pre-season training. Initially, the franchise anticipated a two-week recovery, but a setback changed everything. Head coach Stephen Fleming revealed earlier that Dhoni “tweaked” the same calf again during a warm-up game, forcing the team to adopt an ultra-cautious approach. “The calf is a tough one,” Fleming had said. “If he takes off and rips it again, then he will be gone.”

The recovery has now stretched beyond a month. Dhoni has been working intensively with the physio, focusing on regaining full movement, speed between the wickets, and wicket-keeping confidence. He cleared a fitness test recently and has travelled with the squad to recent away games in Hyderabad and Mumbai. Batting coach Michael Hussey confirmed on May 1 that the veteran has been progressing well in the nets and has been putting in solid work on his running and keeping drills. Yet, the 44-year-old is yet to feature in a single match this season.

Will Dhoni Play Against MI Today?

The latest update from Hussey on the eve of the clash remains measured and non-committal. “M.S. is going really well. Hopefully, he’ll be back as soon as possible. I’m not sure if that will be tomorrow or the match after, but he’s progressing well,” the batting coach said. He emphasised that the final call rests entirely with Dhoni once he feels 100% confident in the calf.

Given the history of the setback and the high risk of re-injury at this stage of the season, it is unlikely Dhoni will feature against Mumbai Indians. But the former CSK player Suresh Raina hinted that Dhoni may play against MI in this crucial encounter.

For CSK fans, the wait has been agonising, yet the positive signs in recent training suggest the wait may well be over soon.