The return of legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni stays unsure in IPL 2026 as a consequence of a calf harm. The 44-year-old is unlikely to characteristic within the upcoming residence conflict in opposition to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday, April 14, elevating considerations for Chennai Tremendous Kings (CSK).
The Tremendous Kings, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, are within the second-last place on the factors desk after managing only one win, whereas the Knight Riders, led by Ajinkya Rahane, are nonetheless trying to find their first victory in IPL 2026. This upcoming match is essential for each groups to maintain their playoff hopes alive within the match.
MS Dhoni Probably To Miss IPL 2026 Conflict vs Kolkata Knight Riders
Based on ESPNCricinfo, MS Dhoni had a brief batting session within the nets on Monday forward of CSK’s residence match in opposition to Kolkata Knight Riders at Chepauk. He solely confronted throwdowns from the assist employees, together with Mike Hussey, and didn’t participate in wicketkeeping drills in the course of the coaching session.
Throughout apply, Dhoni performed a number of pictures, together with one to the midwicket boundary and one other into the stands, earlier than the session ended at 9 pm IST. Nevertheless, he has not but returned to full-intensity coaching and has not travelled with the crew for away matches this season.
Dhoni has missed all 4 matches as a consequence of a calf pressure and is prone to miss the fifth as properly. Regardless of his strike charges of 182 in 2023 and 221 in 2024, he struggled final season after going through 145 balls, managing a strike price of 135.
MS Dhoni Is Nonetheless Closely Concerned within the Facet – Stephen Fleming
The veteran wicketkeeper has missed the primary 4 matches and can be not a part of the touring squad for away video games. In his absence, Sanju Samson has taken over the wicketkeeping duties. Samson scored 115 runs off 56 balls in the course of the current match in opposition to Delhi Capitals (DC).
Chennai Tremendous Kings head coach Stephen Fleming spoke in regards to the crew surroundings with out their senior chief. He stated that Dhoni continues to be actively concerned within the dressing room and continues to have a robust affect on the gamers in the course of the match.
“It’s only a recreation with out him. He’s nonetheless closely concerned within the aspect, and his affect stays very robust,” Stephen Fleming stated.
CSK Await Spencer Johnson’s Return Amid Harm Uncertainty
Chennai Tremendous Kings are additionally ready for Spencer Johnson to hitch the squad as a alternative for the injured Nathan Ellis. The left-arm pacer is recovering from a again harm and is anticipated to hyperlink up with the crew between April 21 and April 23.
CSK bowling coach Eric Simons stated that the crew values Johnson’s tempo and abilities however is uncertain how a lot he’ll contribute this season. He added that Johnson has robust qualities and stays an thrilling addition to the squad.
“I imply to have somebody like him along with his tempo and nice abilities is a vital one, [but] we’re unsure how a lot of a task he’ll play this 12 months,” Simons stated after their win in opposition to Delhi Capitals on Saturday. “However that is nice, he is a improbable acquisition to us. For me, I’ve not labored with him particularly, however I’ve watched him and it’s extremely clear that he has obtained some great attributes.”
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