IPL 2026: MS Dhoni’s Calf Injury Worsens, Stephen Fleming Issues Major Update

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has revealed that MS Dhoni's calf injury has worsened during pre-season practice. With IPL 2026 halfway through and Dhoni missing eight matches, his return to the field remains uncertain as he continues his rehabilitation with the team's medical staff.

The suspense surrounding MS Dhoni's participation in IPL 2026 has intensified as the tournament completes half of its journey. Following the match against Gujarat Titans, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming provided a significant update that has dampened hopes for an immediate return of the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman, while according to Fleming, the calf injury Dhoni was recovering from has worsened, extending the wait for fans who were eagerly anticipating his comeback on the field.

Injury Aggravated During Pre-Season Practice

Stephen Fleming explained that recovering from a calf injury is never easy, which is why the team exercised caution initially, while he revealed that the injury was aggravated during a warm-up match where Dhoni pushed himself beyond limits. Fleming noted that Dhoni has been striving hard to return to action as quickly as possible. However, by exerting excessive pressure during pre-season practice sessions, the former captain caused a recurrence of the issue in his already injured calf.

Eight Matches Missed Amid Recovery Concerns

The 44-year-old Dhoni has been with the CSK squad since the first week of March. During this period, several videos of him batting in the nets and practicing wicketkeeping surfaced on social media, fueling expectations of his participation. Despite these positive signs, Dhoni has not featured in any of the eight matches played by CSK so far this season. This absence highlights the severity of the injury, as the recovery process is taking Importantly longer than the team management had initially anticipated.

Final Decision on Comeback Rests with Dhoni

Coach Fleming clarified that the ultimate decision regarding Dhoni's return to the playing XI rests solely with the player, while dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation with the team's physiotherapists, and the management is waiting for a final fitness clearance. Fleming emphasized that the team can't take Dhoni's injury lightly and is monitoring his progress closely, while while Dhoni is moving in the right direction and doing everything necessary for his recovery, he won't take the field until he's fully fit.