There is no clear timetable yet MS DhoniThe return is chennai super kings Continue to compete in IPL 2026 without the former captain. Dhoni He suffered a calf injury before the season started, and while the team initially indicated a two-week recovery period, his absence has now been extended into a fourth week with no confirmed return date.There was a brief surge in optimism on Tuesday when Dhoni was seen training at the Wankhede Stadium. The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman spent considerable time batting in the nets and also went through wicketkeeping drills, suggesting that he might feature in CSK’s upcoming match against Mumbai Indians. However, these hopes were quickly dashed.CSK bowling coach Eric Simmons, while addressing the media before the match, made it clear that no hasty decision will be taken regarding Dhoni’s return.“MS will only play when he feels he’s ready and the medical team agrees with his condition, so I’m not going to sit here and make any announcements,” Simmons said.The uncertainty over Dhoni’s availability comes at a time when the Chennai Super Kings are already facing multiple injuries. Fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed has been ruled out of the tournament with a right quadriceps injury, while top-order batsman Ayush Mhatre is also out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring problem.Although there have been some developments behind the scenes, the series has yet to officially name a replacement. There are reports that former Mumbai Indians pacer Akash Madhwal participated in CSK’s trials in Hyderabad, while Rajvardhan Hangargekar is also believed to have participated in the team’s trials in Mumbai.These interferences affect CSK activity. The five-time champions currently sit eighth in the standings with two wins from four games. After losing their first three games, they managed to revive the season with a winning streak at home but fell off again in the recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.Their next opponents, Mumbai Indians, came into the match with a newfound confidence. They are in seventh place, just above CSK, and have a 99-point win over Gujarat Titans, giving them momentum ahead of the game.
