As Chennai Super Kings prepare to take on Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026's El Clasico at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, April 23, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad
has shared the much-awaited injury update on veteran cricketer MS Dhoni. The former CSK skipper, who is yet to feature this season due to a calf injury, may be seen playing his first match of 2026 against arch-rivals MI.
Gaikwad explained how Dhoni injured his calf right before the commencement of the 2026 edition of the cash-rich tournament and how it ruled him out for almost a month. As a result, CSK had to try a few youngsters in Dhoni's place, who showcased their skills in the first few matches played by the five-time champions, where they have won only a couple of games.
"We were playing a practice match; that's when he [MS Dhoni] snapped his calf, and then he wasn't able to run as comfortably as he wanted to. And I think after that it was just about him seeing some of the youngsters playing in practice games or in match simulations where he felt confident enough about them, who are ready and who have that ability to play in the IPL," Gaikwad told at a CSK event.
"And, after that, it was just about taking time on his recovery, and slowly, slowly he's getting there. Never know, maybe next game, maybe after that, but definitely one day for sure," he added.
What will be Dhoni's batting position in IPL 2026?
Regarding the batting number of the legendary cricketer, Gaikwad has said that there will be changes made to his arrival at the crease depending totally on the match situation, meaning that everything is flexible and on a match-to-match basis.
And about batting order, I think he has made it pretty clear for the last 2-3 years. I think it is just about giving an opportunity to youngsters or to other players to bat higher up the order and take the honours on him, whatever is possible, whatever he can do," the Pune-born elaborated further.
"In the last overs if required and obviously if situation requires it, he will go up the order but he likes to take everything on his chin and do the damage in last three four overs, whatever is possible," Gaikwad concluded.
CSK have won only two games in the ongoing season, and the upcoming all-important clash against MI is going to decide their fate for a place in the playoffs. The match will be played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the same ground where Dhoni famously hit the World Cup-winning six against Sri Lanka in 2011 finale.
