Chennai Super Kings will once again be without their talisman MS Dhoni as the veteran has not travelled to New Delhi for the upcoming clash against Delhi Capitals on May 6 in the Indian Premier League 2026 season. Dhoni has remained in Chennai to continue rehabilitation for a calf injury that has kept him out of the tournament so far.
This development confirms that the former captain is still not match-fit, extending his absence in what has already been a challenging season for CSK. While his recovery is progressing, the team management is clearly taking a cautious approach, prioritizing long-term fitness over a rushed return.
Hope Still Alive for a Comeback
Despite missing the Delhi fixture, there is optimism within the CSK camp regarding Dhoni’s availability later in the season. A senior franchise official indicated that he “should be available at some stage,” suggesting that fans may still get to see him in action before the league stage concludes.
With five matches remaining, the window for his return is narrowing, but not closed. Dhoni’s comeback, even if brief, could provide a significant morale boost to the team during a crucial phase of the tournament.
CSK’s Tight Playoff Equation
Currently placed sixth on the points table with four wins from nine matches, CSK find themselves in a must-win situation. To secure a spot in the playoffs, they likely need to win at least four of their remaining games. This makes every upcoming fixture critical, not just in terms of points but also momentum.
The absence of Dhoni has been particularly impactful, given his leadership, tactical acumen, and finishing abilities. His presence on the field often influences decision-making in high-pressure situations—an area where CSK have appeared vulnerable this season.
Upcoming Fixtures: A Defining Stretch
CSK’s remaining schedule presents both challenges and opportunities. After facing Delhi Capitals, they will host Lucknow Super Giants on May 10. This will be followed by an away fixture against the same opposition in Lucknow on May 15.
The team then returns home to face Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 18 before concluding their league campaign against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on May 21. Notably, Dhoni’s last IPL appearance was against Gujarat Titans on May 25, 2025, making a potential return against the same opponent a compelling storyline.
A Season Without Dhoni So Far
Remarkably, Dhoni has not played a single match this season. For a player who has been synonymous with CSK’s identity, this absence has been deeply felt. Beyond his on-field contributions, Dhoni’s leadership and calm presence have historically been central to CSK’s success.
His absence has forced the team to adapt, both in terms of leadership structure and match strategy. While other players have stepped up in patches, the consistency and assurance that Dhoni brings remain unmatched.
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MI Monitor Rohit Sharma’s Fitness
Meanwhile, in another significant development, Mumbai Indians are closely monitoring the fitness of Rohit Sharma ahead of their clash against Lucknow Super Giants. Unlike Dhoni’s situation, the decision regarding Rohit’s participation has been left entirely to the player.
Rohit, who has been sidelined since April 12 due to a hamstring injury, showed encouraging signs during a training session at Wankhede Stadium. He reportedly batted for nearly an hour after completing fitness drills, indicating progress in his recovery.
MI’s Struggles Without Rohit
Rohit’s absence has had a noticeable impact on Mumbai Indians’ performance. The team has lost four out of the five matches he has missed, underlining his importance as both a leader and a top-order batter. With the upcoming match carrying significant weight, his potential return could be a game-changer.
However, the final decision rests with Rohit himself. Given the risk associated with hamstring injuries, he may choose caution over immediate participation, especially if full fitness is not yet achieved.
Waiting for Key Returns
As the IPL 2026 season approaches its decisive phase, teams like CSK and Mumbai Indians are grappling with the absence of key players. For CSK, Dhoni’s recovery remains a focal point, with hopes pinned on his return to stabilize the campaign. For Mumbai, Rohit Sharma’s potential comeback could influence their trajectory significantly.
In a tournament defined by fine margins, the availability of experienced players often makes the difference. Whether Dhoni and Rohit return in time to impact their teams’ fortunes remains one of the key narratives to watch in the coming days.