Ahead of Chennai Super Kings' crucial game against Delhi Capitals, MS Dhoni stays back in Chennai, focused on healing a calf issue that’s sidelined him since IPL 2026 began. No flight taken, no match attendance planned. Recovery still in progress, movement limited. While others prepare for the May 6 game, he works quietly behind closed doors.

Even though Dhoni isn’t ready for games just now, the team hasn’t ruled out his comeback during the tournament. One high-up source said the ex-captain might still play before everything wraps up, giving supporters a quiet reason to stay tuned. Though he's off pace right now, glimpses of action aren't impossible by May.

Still out since the first whistle of the season, MS Dhoni lingers in the background like an echo everyone listens for. Not on the field, yet his shadow stretches across decisions made in quiet corners. The middle ranks press close now, a knot nobody untangles fast, but his voice finds space anyway.

Older than most, sure, still, it’s his rhythm they sync with when things get loud. Playing without him has become routine, though the habits he built refuse to fade.

CSK’s playoff push hinges on a strong finish without MS Dhoni

After playing in Delhi, Chennai welcome Lucknow to their home ground on May 10. Next comes a trip north when they head to Lucknow for another go at Delhi on May 15. Following that clash, they return to their own stadium to face Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 18. The final stretch of the league phase pulls them westward for one last match against Gujarat in Ahmedabad, come May 21.

One slip now could cost everything. Though the playoffs are still possible, CSK must win most of what's left to land among the top four.

Also Read: Ramakrishna Ghosh’s IPL 2026 ends in heartbreak as CSK pacer ruled out after foot injury

Still, MS Dhoni hasn’t played a game since CSK faced the Gujarat Titans on May 25, 2025. With each passing week, the odds of a return grow stronger if healing goes smoothly.

Right now, Chennai holds sixth place after winning four of nine matches. Their playoff route is straightforward yet tough. With most games gone, they’ll probably require no fewer than four more wins to keep hopes alive, so each next game weighs heavily on their season, in today's cricket news.