A day after Chennai Super Kings confirmed that MS Dhoni is all set to miss the first two weeks of Indian Premier League (IPL 2026), a report has revealed when the stalwart could possibly return to action. At the age of 44, the former CSK captain is the oldest uncapped player in the cash-rich league and is potentially set to feature in what could be his final season. While Dhoni has been a fan attraction for CSK since forever, his contributions for the team have been least over the last few years.
When will Dhoni return in IPL 2026?
As per Times of India, a CSK source claimed that Dhoni is set to make his comeback only in late April, which means he is set to miss at least 6 matches in IPL 2026. Earlier on Saturday, a CSK release stated that the former captain has been ruled out for 2 weeks due to a calf strain and is currently recovering. CSK are all set to commence their IPL 2026 campaign by taking on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their tournament opener on March 30. Providing an update on Dhoni, a CSK official told the publication that MSD hasn’t travelled with the team for their first game in Guwahati and that he is taking rest.
“It is definitely a big blow for us and we’ll have to deal with it. He is taking rest and we want him back as soon as possible,” the source told TOI.
Dhoni has had knee issues over the last couple of seasons and even went under the knife after IPL 2023. As a result, CSK’s Thala came out to bat as low as number 7 or 8 in the previous season as he couldn’t face many deliveries and running between the wickets wasn’t possible as he could do so in a lightning fast manner previously. Days ago, a video of Dhoni limping during a CSK net session ahead of IPL 2026 surfaced, hinting that the star wasn’t 100% fit.
It is pertinent to point out that CSK will not feel the pinch of Dhoni’s absence. Sanju Samson is all set to be the first-choice wicketkeeper, as indicated by CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan earlier. In the lower-middle order, the team can bring in the likes of Rs 14.20 crore buys Prrashant Veer or Karthik Sharma to boost the batting firepower.
As for Dhoni, it remains to be seen if he will be used as an impact player in IPL 2026, given that he cannot bat for long time.
CSK full schedule for IPL 2026
| Date | Home | Away | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30/03/2026 | Rajasthan Royals | Chennai Super Kings | Guwahati | 19:30 |
| 03/04/2026 | Chennai Super Kings | Punjab Kings | Chennai | 19:30 |
| 05/04/2026 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Chennai Super Kings | Bengaluru | 19:30 |
| 11/04/2026 | Chennai Super Kings | Delhi Capitals | Chennai | 19:30 |
| 14/04/2026 | Chennai Super Kings | Kolkata Knight Riders | Chennai | 19:30 |
| 18/04/2026 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Chennai Super Kings | Hyderabad | 19:30 |
| 23/04/2026 | Mumbai Indians | Chennai Super Kings | Mumbai | 19:30 |
| 26/04/2026 | Gujarat Titans | Chennai Super Kings | Ahmedabad | 15:30 |
| 02/05/2026 | Chennai Super Kings | Mumbai Indians | Chennai | 19:30 |
| 05/05/2026 | Delhi Capitals | Chennai Super Kings | Delhi | 19:30 |
| 10/05/2026 | Chennai Super Kings | Lucknow Super Giants | Chennai | 15:30 |
| 15/05/2026 | Lucknow Super Giants | Chennai Super Kings | Lucknow | 19:30 |
| 18/05/2026 | Chennai Super Kings | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Chennai | 19:30 |
| 21/05/2026 | Chennai Super Kings | Gujarat Titans | Chennai | 19:30 |
Cricket
MS Dhoni injury update: CSK to miss Thala's services for 6 IPL 2026 games, return date revealed
