Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has confirmed that MS Dhoni’s much-anticipated return in IPL 2026 has been delayed due to a persistent calf injury, with the veteran wicketkeeper-batter still undergoing rehabilitation.

Fleming revealed that the injury remains delicate, and any further strain could potentially rule Dhoni out for the remainder of the season. Despite being with the squad since March and actively participating in practice sessions and warm-up games, Dhoni has not featured in any of CSK’s eight matches so far.

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“The calf is a tough one. If he (MS Dhoni) takes off and rips the calf again, then he will be gone [for the whole season]. So we pushed it early. In a warm-up game, he tweaked it again, as my understanding. And since then, he has been just working hard to get some movement into it. But there was a setback,” CSK head coach Stephen Fleming said after the team’s loss to Gujarat Titans.

Fleming added that Dhoni is making steady progress and is working closely with the team’s physio, but the franchise is waiting for full clearance before bringing him back into the playing XI.

“But look, he’s the guide on this one. And he’s working hard with the physio and doing all the rehab. We’re just waiting for the word, really. But all I can keep saying is it’s not making light of this, he is progressing and doing everything,” Fleming said.

The CSK coach also highlighted Dhoni’s continued involvement with the squad off the field. According to Fleming, Dhoni has been closely monitoring younger players during practice matches and simulations, helping assess their readiness for IPL-level competition while focusing on his own recovery.

“And I think after that, it was just about, he saw some of the youngsters playing in practice games and playing in match simulations where he felt confident enough in them, you know, who are ready, who have that ability to play in the IPL. After that, it was just about taking time for his recovery. Slowly, slowly, he is getting there. Never know, maybe next game, maybe after that, but definitely one day for sure,” he concluded.

Chennai Super Kings are currently placed sixth in the IPL 2026 points table with three wins and five losses from eight matches. The team still has six matches remaining in the league stage, with their next fixture scheduled at home against Mumbai Indians on May 2.

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