MS Dhoni fitness update: CSK star likely to miss SRH clash despite travelling with squad

MS Dhoni is reportedly close to full fitness after recovering from a calf injury that ruled him out of the early phase of the IPL 2026. The 44-year-old has travelled with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad to Hyderabad, showing an indication that he could return to the playing XI very soon for the upcoming matches.

Chennai Super Kings, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday, April 18. The five-time champions are aiming to register their third consecutive win after recent victories against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC).

MS Dhoni Ruled Out Of IPL 2026 Clash vs SRH Despite Travelling With Team

Despite travelling with the squad for the first time in three weeks, MS Dhoni is unlikely to play against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Chennai Super Kings management do not want to rush his return and prefer him to regain full match fitness, according to RevSportz.

"Breaking! MS Dhoni has travelled with the CSK team to Hyderabad but he isn’t going to play tomorrow. While he is progressing well, he is most likely to start playing from the game against Gujarat Titans in Chennai on 26 April," RevSportz wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Breaking!

MS Dhoni has travelled with the CSK team to Hyderabad but he isn’t going to play tomorrow. While he is progressing well, he is most likely to start playing from the game against Gujarat Titans in Chennai on 26 April.

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) April 17, 2026

Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad earlier shared positive updates on the two-week rehabilitation process. Dhoni recently took part in light net sessions, facing throwdowns from batting coach Michael Hussey, but did not do any wicketkeeping drills, suggesting he may return first as an impact substitute.

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It Is Just A Game Without Him - Stephen Fleming On MS Dhoni

Although the legendary Indian captain missed the first five matches, head coach Stephen Fleming highlighted MS Dhoni's off-field contributions. Speaking at a press conference, he said that Dhoni continues to have a positive influence on the team environment despite not being on the field.

"It is just a game without him. He is still heavily involved in the side, and his influence remains very strong," Stephen Fleming explained while addressing reporters ahead of their previous home fixture.

Dhoni has amassed 5,439 runs in 278 IPL matches at an impressive average of 38.30. The veteran batter remains the sixth-highest run-scorer in tournament history. He scored 196 runs during the team’s disappointing wooden-spoon campaign last season.

Chennai Super Kings Face Massive Selection Dilemma

Bringing MS Dhoni back into the playing XI creates a difficult selection call for head coach Stephen Fleming. After three straight losses, Chennai Super Kings found balance by adding Dewald Brevis and Akeal Hosein.

The team now has strong momentum, with both batting and bowling performing well. Sanju Samson has handled wicketkeeping duties effectively, while Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube have impressed in the finishing roles, a position usually occupied by Dhoni.

With captain Ruturaj Gaikwad being the only batter struggling for form, team management faces a tough decision. They must decide whether changing a winning combination to bring back the 44-year-old veteran will benefit the team going forward.

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