CSK vs KKR IPL 2026: On the first day of the ongoing season of the IPL, Chennai Super Kings had revealed that MS Dhoni will be giving the first few weeks of this tournament a miss due to a calf injury and that he will be undergoing rehab for this. The IPL 2026 has entered its third week, and there is still no clarity on when he will return to the side, as the Chennai-based franchise is all set to face the Kolkata Knight Riders in their backyard on Tuesday.
As per an ESPNCricinfo report, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side had attended a three-hour practice session at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Monday, which finished at 9:00 p.m. IST. Dhoni did attend the last part of the session, although he didn't work on his wicket-keeping skills and was batting to the throwdowns of the support staff, including their batting coach, Mike Hussey.
After Hussey had bowled the throwdowns, Dhoni had hit the ball towards the midwicket boundary. After he had bowled another ball on the same point, Dhoni had smashed the ball towards the 'J' stand as it went over the leg side. This might not mean anything, but his brief appearance during the training session sparked speculation about whether he has regained his full fitness. But speculation is rife that he will give the upcoming match against the Ajinkya Rahane-led side a miss and might finally return to action in their next match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, which will be held later this week in Hyderabad.
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Dhoni didn't feature in any of the first four matches, during which the five-time champions had lost their first three and were at the bottom of the points table, but then made a brilliant comeback in their match against the Axar Patel-led side, held in Chennai last week. He didn't travel with the team for their away matches in Guwahati and Bengaluru, and he wasn't seen at their home matches either.
Irrespective of his absence, Stephen Fleming, who is the head coach of CSK, had informed reporters before their tournament opener that Dhoni is "heavily involved in the side and his influence in the side is very strong."
Since Dhoni is not part of the playing XI, Sanju Samson, who was traded to CSK by the Rajasthan-based franchise, has been their wicket-keeper. Although there was a slight dip in his form during their first three matches, Samson made a brilliant comeback in their clash against DC as he scored an unbeaten hundred. Meanwhile, as a finisher, England's Jamie Overton has showcased his impressive big-hitting abilities.
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Apart from Dhoni, the Chennai-based franchise is also seeking an update on Spencer Johnson's availability, who had joined the side as Nathan Ellis' replacement but sustained a back injury. The Australian bowler, who had started to bowl again, will join the team next week.
"I mean to have someone like him with his pace and great skills is an important one, [but] we're not sure how much of a role he'll play this year. But that's fine, he's a fantastic acquisition for us. For me, I have not worked with him specifically, but I've watched him, and it's very clear that he has got some tremendous attributes", Eric Simmons, who is CSK's bowling coach, told reporters during the post-match press conference.