MS Dhoni has not travelled with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad to Delhi ahead of their high-stakes IPL 2026 match against Delhi Capitals (DC), effectively ruling him out of today’s encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
CSK bowling coach Eric Simmons confirmed the development, stating that while the legendary wicketkeeper-batter is making progress, the management is not willing to rush his return.
“Update on MS Dhoni is way above my pay grade. He’s not with us in Delhi, but he’s improving. He will be ready when he’s ready,” Simmons said during the pre-match press interaction.
MS Dhoni yet to play a game in IPL 2026
The 44-year-old icon, who has been sidelined with a persistent calf injury since the pre-season camp, will now miss his 10th consecutive match of the IPL 2026 season. Despite the anticipation surrounding his potential “last dance,” Dhoni has yet to take the field this year.
Although Dhoni had previously travelled with the squad to Mumbai and Hyderabad to provide mentorship from the dressing room, his decision to stay back in Chennai for this away leg suggests a shift in his recovery protocol.
Dhoni wanted the focus to remain on cricket
Batting coach Mike Hussey had previously provided insight into Dhoni’s absence from the dugout on match days, noting that it was a tactical decision to support the new leadership under Ruturaj Gaikwad.
“He’s such a team-orientated guy. He didn’t want the focus to shift, with cameras and attention on him during games while the guys are trying to focus on the middle. He wants Ruturaj to have his own space to lead,” Hussey had remarked earlier.
CSK, currently tied at 8 points with Delhi Capitals, must continue to rely on the in-form Sanju Samson behind the stumps and as a top-order batter. As the race for the Playffs enters its final stretch, the Yellow Army remains hopeful that Dhoni might feature in the final few league games but for today, the wait continues.