Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has provided a fresh update on MS Dhoni’s fitness, offering reassurance to fans as the IPL 2026 season progresses. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter is currently recovering from a calf strain and remains unavailable for selection in the early phase of the tournament.
Speaking ahead of CSK’s match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gaikwad confirmed that Dhoni is steadily improving and working towards full match fitness. He noted that while the recovery is progressing well, it requires time and careful management before Dhoni can return to competitive action.
The 44-year-old has already missed the initial matches of the season and is expected to remain out for the first couple of weeks. In his absence, Sanju Samson has taken over wicketkeeping responsibilities, stepping into a key role for the franchise.
CSK have had a challenging start to the season, suffering defeats in their opening games against Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings. Heading into the clash against RCB, the team is under pressure to bounce back without their experienced leader on the field.
Dhoni’s future has also been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts, with speculation growing around whether IPL 2026 could mark his final season. Last year, he featured in 14 matches, scoring 196 runs with a solid strike rate, while also stepping in as captain when Gaikwad was sidelined due to injury.
Meanwhile, both CSK and RCB entered their latest encounter with unchanged playing XIs. Gaikwad won the toss and chose to bowl first at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB came into the game with momentum after a strong win in their opening fixture, while CSK looked to regain form despite missing key players.
As Dhoni continues his recovery, fans eagerly await his return, which could play a crucial role in shaping CSK’s campaign this season.
