Chennai Super Kings travel to M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday (April 5) as they play Royal Challengers Bengaluru in an important IPL 2026 encounter.
As CSK play the defending champions, they need a swift upheaval after two defeats in a row this season. The Super Kings lost their first match against Rajasthan Royals, and then faced another defeat at the hands of Punjab Kings.
MS Dhoni, Chennai Super Kings' iconic captain, sustained a calf strain during pre-season training, ruling him out for the first two weeks of IPL 2026.
The franchise confirmed on March 28, 2026, the tournament's opening day, that Dhoni is in rehabilitation and will miss CSK's initial matches against Rajasthan Royals (March 30), Punjab Kings (April 3), Royal Challengers Bengaluru
(April 5), and Delhi Capitals (April 11).
Just before the second match against the Punjab Kings, there was a social media post which showed Dhoni back in training at the Chepauk. Although the veteran Indian player is still recovering from the injury, his return to the field with light training has been a boost to the mood of the CSK fans.
Will MS Dhoni play against RCB in the IPL 2026 Match?
MS Dhoni is unlikely to play against RCB in today's IPL 2026 match (Match 11) at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The legendary CSK wicketkeeper-batter is recovering from a calf strain sustained during pre-season training. CSK officially stated he is likely to miss the first two weeks of the tournament, covering early games including vs RR, PBKS, and this high-profile clash against RCB.
Recent reports confirm Dhoni has not travelled with the squad to Bengaluru, ruling him out of the southern derby. While fans were excited after videos of him batting in the nets surfaced a few days ago, the franchise is adopting a cautious approach to avoid aggravating the injury. His return is now projected closer to late April.
