Will MS Dhoni Play Today? MS Dhoni is unlikely to play in the CSK vs PBKS match in IPL 2026.
He missed the first game as well due to a calf strain picked up in practice at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium. Reports say he could be out for at least 2–3 weeks, so the team is not expected to rush him back. In his absence, Sanju Samson is expected to continue as wicketkeeper.
The update from Chennai Super Kings has been consistent. Head coach Stephen Fleming said Dhoni will be out for around the first two weeks. So even though there were rumours, the plan has not changed.
The confusion came because Dhoni was seen batting in practice. He looked fine and was hitting big shots, but those were light sessions, not full match practice. The team is being careful and doesn’t want to rush him back.
His absence has already affected CSK. In the first match, their batting struggled and they were all out for 127. They clearly missed his calm finishing and experience. It was also the first time CSK played without both Dhoni and Suresh Raina in their XI.
For now, Sanju Samson is handling wicketkeeping, while Ruturaj Gaikwad continues as captain. CSK will have to manage a few more matches without Dhoni before he returns.
Will MS Dhoni Play Today? MS Dhoni Likely to Miss CSK vs PBKS Again as Calf Injury Keeps Him Out
MS Dhoni is currently out of IPL 2026 due to a calf strain he picked up before the season. Because of this, he has been ruled out for at least the first two weeks.
The official update from coach Stephen Fleming is that Dhoni will not be rushed back. Some reports say he could even miss more matches, possibly until the end of April, but the team has not confirmed that yet.
Right now, he is in recovery. He has started light training and batting in the nets at Chepauk, but it is not full match practice yet. Even so, he is still involved with the team off the field and continues to guide players.
His absence has also started talk about the future. There are signs that this could be his final IPL season. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson is doing wicketkeeping, and Ruturaj Gaikwad is leading the team as CSK adjust to playing without their long-time key player.
When Will MS Dhoni Return in IPL 2026?
The official update from Chennai Super Kings is simple – he has a calf strain and was expected to miss the first two weeks. That means his return was originally planned around mid-April.
But some reports say it could take longer. These reports suggest he might be out till the end of April and could miss multiple matches. Still, the team has not officially confirmed any delay.
Coach Stephen Fleming has made it clear that CSK will not rush him. The focus is on full recovery, not a quick comeback. Even now, Dhoni is involved with the team off the field and continues to guide players.
Right now, there is no fixed return date yet. The most likely situation is that he will come back later in April once he is fully fit.
CSK vs PBKS IPL 2026: What Could Decide the Match
The match between Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings is set up as a big test for both teams. CSK are coming after a poor start, while PBKS arrive with confidence after a win.
Head-to-head is close. CSK lead overall, but PBKS have done better at this ground. They have won 5 out of 9 matches here and are on a run of three straight wins at Chepauk. CSK have not beaten them here since 2019.
CSK collapsed in the first match and are still without MS Dhoni, while Dewald Brevis may also miss out. A lot depends on young players, which makes their lineup risky. Ruturaj Gaikwad is key. He needs to stay at the crease and guide the innings. Sanju Samson also needs to step up after a quiet start.
For PBKS, Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya can attack early. Their bowling is strong with Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal covering pace and spin. The only concern is their middle order, which collapsed in the last game.
FAQs
Q. Will MS Dhoni play in the CSK vs PBKS match?
A. MS Dhoni is unlikely to play because he is still recovering from a calf strain.
Q. How long is Dhoni expected to be out?
A. Dhoni is expected to miss at least the first two weeks, and some reports say he could be out till the end of April.
Q. Who is replacing Dhoni in the team?
A. Sanju Samson is doing wicketkeeping, while Ruturaj Gaikwad is leading the team.
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