MS Dhoni Suffers ANOTHER Injury! CSK Coach Shares Recovery Update

Chennai Super Kings veteran MS Dhoni has suffered another setback in his recovery from injury, with head coach Stephen Fleming confirming that the former captain has aggravated his calf strain during a practice session in IPL 2026.

The development delays Dhoni's expected return, with the 42-year-old yet to feature in the tournament despite Chennai already playing eight matches this season.

Dhoni Aggravates Calf Injury During Warm-Up Session

Speaking after Chennai Super Kings' defeat to Gujarat Titans, Fleming revealed that Dhoni tweaked his calf again during an early training push, complicating what was initially expected to be a short-term injury.

According to the CSK coach, the team had attempted to reintroduce Dhoni through a warm-up session, but the veteran wicketkeeper-batter experienced discomfort once more.
Fleming explained that calf injuries remain particularly tricky, especially for players who rely on sudden bursts of movement behind the stumps and while running between the wickets.

Return Timeline Remains Uncertain

Dhoni was originally expected to miss only the opening phase of IPL 2026, but the latest setback has extended his absence to nearly a month.

Despite not being match-fit, the former skipper has remained actively involved in training routines. He has been seen batting in the nets regularly, focusing on throwdowns and gradually increasing his workload.

Recent sessions also included sprint drills under the supervision of the team physio, along with wicketkeeping practice and facing spin bowlers. However, Fleming made it clear that there is no fixed return date yet.

Final Call Rests With Dhoni

Fleming emphasised that Dhoni himself will decide when he feels ready to return to competitive action, with the medical team continuing to monitor his progress closely.
He added that the franchise is cautious about rushing the veteran back too early, given the risk of worsening the injury if recovery is incomplete.

The cautious approach reflects Dhoni's importance to the side, both as a leader and as an experienced presence in high-pressure situations.

CSK Campaign Affected By Dhoni's Absence

Chennai Super Kings have endured an inconsistent campaign so far, struggling to find rhythm without their talismanic leader in the playing XI. With multiple defeats already in the season, CSK will be hoping for Dhoni's timely return as they attempt to stabilise their campaign and push for a playoff position.

The team now has a short break before their next fixture against the Mumbai Indians on May 2, offering a limited window for recovery and assessment. As speculation continues around his availability, Dhoni's fitness remains one of the biggest talking points of IPL 2026.