Uncertainty continues over the return of MS Dhoni in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 season, even as the veteran wicketkeeper-batter has reportedly cleared his fitness tests. Ahead of the clash between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, multiple reports indicated that Dhoni was unlikely to feature despite being medically fit, with the franchise opting for a cautious approach to his return.
Addressing the situation, Stephen Fleming confirmed that Dhoni has been progressing well but refrained from guaranteeing his inclusion in the immediate fixture. “He is good. He’s been training,” Fleming said, adding that the team is carefully managing his workload. He further stressed that decisions regarding Dhoni’s return are being made with a long-term perspective, ensuring that the former captain is fully prepared before stepping back into match action.
Fleming also highlighted Dhoni’s enduring value to the side, describing him as a “greatest captain” figure within the Chennai Super Kings setup. His remarks reinforced that while Dhoni’s presence remains crucial, the team management is unwilling to rush him back prematurely during a demanding tournament schedule.
While Dhoni is likely to miss the game against Delhi Capitals, emerging reports suggest that his return could come during the clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18. The management is closely monitoring his match readiness, and if his progress continues without setbacks, the SRH fixture is being viewed as a potential opportunity for his comeback.
In the absence of MS Dhoni, Chennai Super Kings have endured a difficult start to their Indian Premier League 2026 campaign, losing all three of their opening matches. Across these matches, CSK have conceded 588 runs while scoring 543, highlighting concerns in their bowling unit, which has struggled to contain opposition batters, particularly in high-scoring encounters.
As the tournament progresses, the potential return of MS Dhoni is expected to provide a significant boost to Chennai Super Kings. With crucial matches ahead, the franchise remains focused on ensuring that when Dhoni does return, he is fully fit and ready to contribute at the highest level.
