CSK monitor MS Dhoni’s recovery as calf injury persists; Rohit Sharma remains doubtful for MI

Chennai Super Kings are hopeful for MS Dhoni’s return in the later stages of the tournament, while Mumbai Indians await clarity on Rohit Sharma’s hamstring recovery.

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp is maintaining a cautious but optimistic watch over MS Dhoni’s fitness as the team prepares to face Delhi Capitals (DC) on Tuesday. The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman has stayed back in Chennai to continue his rehabilitation for a persistent calf injury, missing the squad’s travel to New Delhi. This development comes alongside lingering uncertainty in the Mumbai Indians (MI) dugout regarding Rohit Sharma’s availability for their upcoming fixtures.

Dhoni continues rehab in Chennai

MS Dhoni’s absence from the playing XI has been a recurring theme this season, with the former captain yet to feature in the IPL 2026 edition. Sources within the CSK management indicate that while Dhoni is working closely with the medical team, he is currently not match-ready. His last competitive outing was during the 2025 season finale against Gujarat Titans, nearly a year ago.

The decision to keep him in Chennai for specialized treatment suggests the franchise is prioritizing his long-term availability for the final leg of the league stage.

Management hopeful for late comeback

Despite the missed games, the CSK management isn't ready to rule him out just yet. With five league matches still on the horizon, there is a window for a potential return if his recovery accelerates. "He should be available at some stage," a senior CSK official was quoted as saying, though no specific date has been committed to.

The team’s schedule remains dense, with a clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 10 following the Delhi fixture. The medical staff is reportedly assessing his progress on a day-to-day basis to avoid aggravating the muscle tear.

Playoff math gets tougher for CSK

The on-field impact of missing such a massive figure is reflected in the points table. Currently sitting at sixth position with four wins from nine matches, the Yellow Army finds itself in a precarious spot. To guarantee a passage into the playoffs without relying on other results, CSK essentially needs to win at least four of their remaining five encounters.

The upcoming stretch—including two games against Delhi and a high-stakes meeting with Sunrisers Hyderabad—will define their season. The lack of Dhoni’s finishing touch and tactical input from behind the stumps has been felt in close-run chases this year.

Uncertainty over Rohit Sharma’s return

Parallel to the Dhoni saga, Mumbai Indians are facing their own leadership and selection headaches. Rohit Sharma has been sidelined since April 12 due to a hamstring strain, an injury that has coincided with a slump in MI’s form. In the five matches Rohit has sat out, the franchise has managed only a single victory, sliding down the rankings.

There were, however, encouraging sights at the Wankhede Stadium recently. Rohit was seen engaging in an extended batting session following a series of fitness drills. While he looked comfortable against the nets, the final call on his participation against LSG remains with the player himself.

Crucial week for veteran stars

As the 19th season of the IPL enters its business end, the fitness of these two stalwarts remains the biggest talking point for broadcasters and fans alike. For CSK, the journey ends on May 21 against Gujarat Titans, a game they hope will feature Dhoni back in his usual slot. For Mumbai, the return of Rohit is seen as the only catalyst that could spark a late-season revival to save their campaign.

CSK vs DC: Dewald Brevis returns as desperate Chennai seek turnaround

Facing a hat-trick of defeats, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Chennai Super Kings look to Dewald Brevis for inspiration against a clinical Delhi Capitals at Chepauk today.

CHENNAI: A wounded Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will return to the MA Chidambaram Stadium this Saturday, desperate to arrest a mid-season slump that has seen them drop three consecutive fixtures. Match 18 of IPL 2026 pits the struggling hosts against a resilient Delhi Capitals (DC) side eyeing a climb up the points table. While the headlines remain centered on the lean patch of CSK’s high-profile opening pair, the anticipated return of South African sensation Dewald Brevis has provided a timely boost to the Yellow Army's camp.

Openers under heavy fire

The primary concern for the Chennai management remains the startling lack of runs at the top. The seasoned duo of Sanju Samson and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has managed a mere 63 runs collectively across three outings. Samson, specifically, is yet to hit double digits this season, a statistic that has hamstrung CSK’s ability to exploit the powerplay. In this India News Update, sources indicated that the team management has held extensive one-on-one sessions with the openers to address technical lapses ahead of the 7:30 PM toss.

Brevis to bolster middle-order

The tactical imbalance caused by injury layoffs appears to be nearing an end. As per reports, Dewald Brevis has passed his final fitness assessment and is expected to walk straight into the playing XI tonight. His ability to tackle spin in the middle overs is seen as the antidote to CSK’s recent scoring stagnation. Meanwhile, the wait for MS Dhoni continues; the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman is scheduled for another fitness test in the coming 48 hours, with a potential return targeted for the KKR clash on April 14.

Delhi seek consistency boost

Despite their superior standing, Delhi Capitals are far from settled. The visitors are still reeling from a heartbreaking one-run loss to Gujarat Titans on Wednesday. While their bowling unit has shown teeth, the middle-order remains a point of contention. Outside of David Miller’s contributions, the DC engine room collapsed against the Titans, with no other specialist batsman reaching double figures. Captain Rishabh Pant will be demanding a more professional display from his finishers to silence the Chepauk crowd.

Bowling woes at Chepauk

Defending totals has become a nightmare for the hosts. In their previous home game, despite posting 209, the CSK bowlers were taken to the cleaners as the target was overhauled in under 19 overs. Apart from Khaleel Ahmed, the attack has lacked discipline, frequently leaking over 12 runs per over. Against a DC lineup featuring Sameer Rizvi—who will be eager to prove a point against his former franchise—the Chennai bowlers must find a way to utilize the crosswinds at the MA Chidambaram Stadium effectively.

Tactical edge and history

Statistically, Chennai holds the upper hand with 19 wins in 31 encounters against Delhi. However, momentum is a fickle friend in the Latest News Today from the IPL circuit. Delhi’s bowling variety, led by Lungi Ngidi and Mukesh Kumar, poses a significant threat to a fragile CSK batting lineup. The pitch at Chepauk is expected to be another batting paradise, and with wind gusts of 35 km/h forecast, the toss-winning captain is likely to opt for chasing to navigate the evening dew factor.

Impact of local conditions

The weather in Chennai remains unforgiving, with temperatures hovering around 35°C. While rain is not a threat, the high humidity levels will test the fitness of the aging CSK core. This Public Interest Story for cricket fans suggests that endurance in the field could be as decisive as tactical acumen. The "Fatafat" nature of the T20 format means that a single over of brilliance from someone like Brevis or Miller could shift the narrative of the entire season for either franchise.