Despite MSD's growing age, recurring injuries, and constant retirement speculation, that bond with the CSK fans never seemed to fade over the years.
Chennai Super Kings bowling coach Eric Simons said Mahendra Singh Dhoni alone will decide on his comeback, stressing that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter would only return if he feels fully fit and ready to contribute to the team. Dhoni, 44, couldn't play a single game in this edition due to a leg injury but Simons said he impressed in the nets with his clean striking. "Are you seriously asking me that question? We always are," Simons said when asked if CSK are hopeful of Dhoni's availability next year. "I mean, honestly, he has hit the ball so well. He obviously had a leg injury, which made it very difficult for him to run, so that's why he couldn't play. "But in terms of hitting the ball in the nets, he's hitting it as well as I've ever seen him hit it. But I keep saying this, only MS will know, and MS will make the decision about when he's ready and when he's right." The former South Africa all-rounder said Dhoni would always prioritise the team's interest over personal ...
Despite much speculation, there has been no official statement by CSK team management about Dhoni's return date
MS Dhoni has been on the sidelines since the start of IPL 2026 due to a calf strain injury
With CSK still in contention for a playoff spot, Dhoni's fitness status continues to be closely monitored
Ravichandran Ashwin has rated MS Dhoni's wicketkeeping as the finest he has experienced, saying he hasn't seen "anyone else" operate like the former India captain behind the stumps to spinners. Having shared a long association in the Indian team and at Chennai Super Kings, Ashwin recalled how Dhoni's glovework and clarity of thought stood out beyond his celebrated leadership. "His glovework has always amazed me. People talk a lot about his captaincy, and rightly so, the titles speak for themselves," Ashwin said on JioStar's 'The Ravichandran Ashwin Experience'. "But for me, two things stand out -- one, how good a middle-order batter he was, someone who could take the game deep and finish it. "And the second is his keeping against spinners. I haven't seen anyone else like him." Ashwin also highlighted Dhoni's hands-off approach that empowered bowlers. "He never set the field for me. I would set my own field, and he would just say, 'Don't double-guess. Don't pre-empt. If you get hi
The form of skipper Gaikwad and the inconsistency of the middle order and spinners are some of the reasons why CSK has been trailing so far in the points table
This high-profile IPL 2026 encounter at the Wankhede Stadium saw MI winning the toss and choosing to bowl first.
Dhoni has resumed light training with the squad; the star batter is yet to reach full match fitness
The 44-year-old has been undergoing rehabilitation for a calf muscle strain, and indications are that he may require at least another week before being considered for selection
Dhoni has missed only six games in IPL for CSK and in those six games, the Chennai-based franchise has been on the losing end five times
"MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of TATA IPL 2026," CSK said in an official statement.
IPL 2026 is almost here, but even before the start, the tournament has been hit with multiple injuries from CSK's MS Dhoni to SRH skipper Pat Cummins. Multiple players are set to miss early games
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he evening blended cricket with entertainment, highlighted by an electrifying musical performance from A. R. Rahman, making it a perfect curtain-raiser for IPL 2026.
Uthappa indicated that Dhoni may not have a major on-field presence throughout the season and could instead contribute more from a guiding role within the squad
In IPL 2025, Dhoni often walked in during the final stages, when matches were already slipping away