Coach Stephen Fleming confirms pre-season strain worsened injury, putting Dhoni’s Indian Premier League comeback on hold

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MS Dhoni’s return to competitive action for Chennai Super Kings has been delayed after a setback in his recovery from a calf injury. According to head coach Stephen Fleming, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter aggravated the issue during a pre-season practice game, slowing down what was initially expected to be a short recovery period.

Dhoni, who was originally ruled out for just the first two weeks of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, has now missed all eight matches played by CSK so far. Fleming explained that calf injuries require careful management, as rushing back too soon could risk a complete tear and potentially rule Dhoni out for the entire season.

Despite being sidelined, Dhoni has remained actively involved with the squad since March, frequently seen in training sessions and practice matches. However, he has yet to make an appearance on match days, highlighting the cautious approach being taken by the team management and medical staff.

CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad also shed light on the incident, revealing that Dhoni experienced discomfort while running during a practice match, which led to the setback. Since then, the focus has been on gradual rehabilitation, with Dhoni working closely with physiotherapists to regain full fitness.

Fleming emphasized that Dhoni is progressing steadily, but the final call on his return will depend on how his recovery evolves. The franchise is prioritizing long-term fitness over a rushed comeback, given Dhoni’s importance to the team.

Currently, Chennai Super Kings sit sixth on the points table with three wins from eight matches in the Indian Premier League 2026 season. With six games remaining, including a crucial home fixture against Mumbai Indians on May 2, CSK will be hoping for Dhoni’s return to boost their playoff chances.