Chennai Super Kings secured their first win in IPL 2026 by defeating Delhi Capitals by 23 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Though the Yellow Army cheered this season’s initial success, the question on all fans’ minds was the same: when will MS Dhoni be back?
Ruturaj Gaikwad delivered the news the fans had been longing for, and it sounds better than ever.
Gaikwad Breaks Silence on Dhoni
At the toss ahead of Saturday’s CSK vs Delhi Capitals clash, broadcaster Ravi Shastri posed the question that every supporter had been asking: “Where is MS Dhoni?” Gaikwad did not dodge it.
“For those asking about MS Dhoni, he’s at the hotel watching and supporting us. But yes, very soon, you’ll see him out on the ground,” Gaikwad told Shastri at the toss, as reported by NDTV Sports.
The reply was brief but quite intense. “Very soon” doesn’t sound like a player who’ll be back in a few weeks. It sounds like his comeback might only be a few days, and that’s all it took to get the CSK fanbase excited.
Coach Fleming and the Dhoni Rehab Update
GettyMahendra Singh Dhoni
Behind the scenes, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has offered cautious optimism. “Dhoni is working hard to get back,” Fleming confirmed, though he stopped short of naming a specific return date. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan was even more measured, stating, “MS is undergoing rehab and it will take some time. We can’t say how much time.”
However, a recent viral nighttime training video changed the mood entirely. The footage shows Dhoni moving freely at the crease, driving cleanly and launching sixes during what appeared to be a full squad training session at Chepauk. For a player recovering from a calf injury, the fluency of his footwork in that video was a massive green flag.
The Bigger Picture for CSK
GettyMS Dhoni could return soon
The statistics reveal just how crucial CSK’s legendary No. 7 is for their success. When Dhoni is playing, CSK have maintained a winning percentage of over 57% in their IPL matches. On the contrary, that number falls drastically to a mere 20% in games without him. The three consecutive defeats at the beginning of IPL 2026 not only confirmed but also deepened their dilemma.
However, it is not only his batting that makes the difference. It is also the serenity that he instills in the team’s spirit, the quickness of his decision-making during the game, and his exceptional knack for finishing games in the final overs.
In light of Gaikwad’s “very soon” statement and the sharing of net practice videos on social media, only the decision on which match Thala will make his comeback is left unanswered. CSK supporters need not worry about the wait extending much longer.
CSK Captain Gives New MS Dhoni Injury Update