IPL 2026, CSK vs DC Today Match: Chennai Super Kings fans will have to wait a little longer to see MS Dhoni in action in Indian Premier League 2026, as the veteran wicketkeeper-batter is unlikely to feature in match 48 against Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
CSK bowling coach Eric Simons confirmed ahead of the match that Dhoni has not travelled with the squad for the away fixture in Delhi, where CSK are set to play their 10th game of the season. The 44-year-old continues to recover from a calf injury that has kept him out of action so far.
“Update on MS Dhoni is way above my pay grade. He’s not with us (in Delhi), but steadily improving. He’ll be ready when he’s ready, and he knows when he’s ready to play,” Simons said in the pre-match press conference.
MS Dhoni has recently resumed batting in the nets, indicating encouraging progress in his recovery, but the franchise appears cautious about rushing him back into match action.
As more than half the season completed, speculation around Dhoni’s return and future in the IPL continues to intensify. However, CSK have not provided a definitive timeline for his comeback.
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings head into the fixture with renewed confidence after a dominant win over Mumbai Indians, but their playoff hopes remain on the line. With four wins from nine matches, CSK are in a must-win situation in the remaining league games.
Simons expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to bounce back and stay in contention. “There has become a bit of a gap between the top four and the rest, but we still have our destiny in our own hands and we do know that we can beat any team in the league. So if we keep playing to our potential, there's no reason why we can't be on the top of the table. When we play well, we look really unbeatable,” he said.
For now, Dhoni’s return date remains uncertain, and fans will have to wait a little longer to see the CSK legend back in action.
