IPL 2026: Injury or silent farewell for MS Dhoni? CSK official’s statement drops bombshell

In the last couple of seasons, the question regarding MS Dhoni in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been whether that edition would be the last for him in the jersey of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). But the story in 2026 has been a bit different. In the ongoing season, the question is when he will play his very first encounter.

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The Ranchi-born was seen to be practicing in March when his wife posted an Instagram story. The 44-year-old, at the fag end of his career, turned out for a net session for the last couple of weeks before the start of the IPL 2026.

MS Dhoni yet to feature in IPL 2026 after five weeks

There hasn’t been a single press conference since the beginning of the league where the Chennai Super Kings head coach, Stephen Fleming, didn’t face a single question on Dhoni’s injury. During the third encounter of the campaign against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Fleming was hopeful of their former captain’s return.

The veteran coach, after their defeat against the Gujarat Titans at home, said that the World Cup-winning captain’s progress hasn’t been smooth and has created issues for his return.

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“The calf is a tough one. If he 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 I understand. And since then, he has been just working hard to get some movement into it. But there was a setback.” The former New Zealand captain expressed this in the press conference.

“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.” He revealed.

Reports claim Dhoni’s fake recovery in IPL 2026

The report has claimed that MS Dhoni is not totally fit, and such a statement is totally wrong. A top official of the franchise, according to the X post, revealed that the wicket-keeper batter had been carrying an injury. The captain told the management that he could only bat at number seven or eight and would need quick running, which he had not been able to do due to pain.

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Meanwhile, the Chennai Super Kings are currently in sixth position on the points table. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side has earned five victories in 10 clashes at a net run rate of +0.151. Out of their last seven clashes, the Super Kings earned five victories and have a fair chance to qualify for the playoffs.