MS Dhoni set to return for the CSK vs DC IPL 2026 match? Here's the update

The five-time IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings, have lost their first three matches of IPL 2026. They suffered crushing defeats against the Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and the team currently sits at the bottom of the points table. Following this performance, every CSK fan is currently missing MS Dhoni, who has been unable to play the first three matches due to a calf strain. However, there is now great news for CSK fans. According to some reports, MS Dhoni may play in the upcoming match against the Delhi Capitals, scheduled to be held on April 11 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Ahead of the start of IPL 2026, CSK had officially confirmed that MS Dhoni might miss the first two weeks of the tournament as he worked on recovering from a calf strain. Meanwhile, videos of some of Dhoni's practice sessions had also been circulating.

According to reports, if everything goes well, fans could see Dhoni back on the field in the yellow jersey on April 11. Dhoni is expected to undergo a fitness test in the coming days; if he passes it, his return to the Playing XI is all but certain.

“We are expecting him to take a fitness test in the coming 2-3 days, and if everything works out, there's no reason why he shouldn't play against the Delhi Capitals,” said the source.

In the absence of MS Dhoni, CSK's performance has been quite poor. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has appeared to be under constant pressure—an impact that is clearly visible in his batting as well. CSK's new recruit, Sanju Samson, has also struggled in the first three matches of IPL 2026. Apart from Dhoni, Dewald Brevis has also been unable to play a single match so far due to injury—a factor that has clearly impacted Chennai Super Kings' playing XI. The team is currently in dire need of both MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis. It is believed that Brevis, too, could make his return against Delhi.

“We hope he is going to be right for the next game. We have five days between the next game. We have been conservative, and hopefully, these next five days will go as well as we have planned, and he is ready to go. It’s a big loss, but we are looking forward to getting him back,” Fleming had told reporters after the loss against RCB.

If MS Dhoni and Brevis make a comeback, it will certainly come as a piece of relief for CSK fans. CSK is yet to open its account on the points table, and the return of Dhoni and Brevis could well orchestrate a turnaround for the team.

With the inclusion of Dhoni and Brevis, CSK’s batting line-up will be completely changed, and CSK fans will hope to watch both of them in the next cricket match of the tournament. Brevis will bat at 4, while Dhoni will feature in the lower order.