Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has confirmed that MS Dhoni suffered a second injury setback during his recovery from a calf strain, delaying his return in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026.
Dhoni, who has not featured for CSK so far this season, was initially expected to return after a short recovery period. However, Fleming revealed that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter aggravated the injury during a warm-up game prior to the tournament, extending his time on the sidelines. The development has forced the franchise to take a cautious approach regarding his comeback.
Providing a detailed update, Fleming said, “He’s pretty keen. The calf is a tough one, though. If he takes off and rips the calf again, then he will be gone. So we pushed it early. In a warm-up game, he tweaked it again, is my understanding. And since then, he has been just working hard to get some movement into it. But there was another setback, so it has taken longer than we thought.”
The CSK coach’s statement confirms that the injury worsened when Dhoni attempted to return to action earlier than advised, leading to a recurrence that has complicated his rehabilitation. The franchise has since prioritised full recovery, given the risks associated with calf injuries and the possibility of a long-term absence if aggravated again.
Fleming also emphasised that Dhoni remains actively involved in his recovery process and is closely working with the team’s medical staff. “He is the guide on this one, and he’s working hard with the physio and doing all the rehab, and we’re just waiting for the word. All I can say is stop making light of it, as he is progressing and doing everything he can.”
Dhoni’s absence has been one of the major talking points of IPL 2026, given his experience and role within the CSK setup. However, team management has not provided a definitive timeline for his return, with decisions expected to depend entirely on his recovery progress following the second injury setback.
