In a major boost to the struggling Chennai Super Kings, their wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni is reportedly set to give a fitness test in the next couple of days. Dhoni is yet to feature this IPL season,
having suffered a calf strain in the lead-up to the tournament, with CSK losing their first three games.
According to The Indian Express, depending on the outcome of the test, Dhoni could be back as early as CSK‘s next game this Saturday when they host Delhi Capitals at Chepauk.
Dhoni has returned to batting in the nets and is said to facing no discomfort. However, the CSK team management is reportedly not taking any chances and won’t rush their 44-year-old wicketkeeper-batter into returning to action.
Dhoni hasn’t been travelling with the squad either.
In Dhoni’s absence, CSK have endured a terrible start to IPL 2026, suffering defeats to Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru to find themselves languishing at the bottom of the points table. They are one of the three teams thus far not have won a single game this season.
In the twilight of his IPL career, the five-time title winning captain is widely expected to retire after the conclusion of the ongoing season.
Dhoni hasn’t been the only injury setback for CSK at the start of the season. Dewald Brevis too has sat out from their opening three fixture with the South African nursing a side strain during the training sessions.
On Sunday, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming expressed hope that the talented middle-order batter will be back in action against the DC.
“We hope he is going to be right for the next game. We have five days between the next game. We have been conservative and hopefully, these next five days go as well as we have planned, and he is ready to go,” Fleming said.
