'There was a setback' - Stephen Fleming provides unfortunate update on MS Dhoni's potential CSK return

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has provided some unfortunate news surrounding the potential comeback of MS Dhoni at this season’s Indian Premier League (IPL).

Fleming has revealed that Dhoni was on the road to full recovery, but has suffered yet another setback to an existing calf injury during a practice game. The legendary wicketkeeper is set to feature for the five-time champions in their first eight matches of the 2026 season. 

"The calf is a tough one. If he takes off and rips the calf again, then he will be gone [for the whole season]. So we pushed it early. In a warm-up game, he tweaked it again, is my understanding. And since then, he has been just working hard to get some movement into it. But there was a setback,” Fleming was quoted as saying on ESPNcricinfo.

Fleming, however, has stated that Dhoni is working extremely hard behind the scenes to make himself available for selection for CSK sometime this season by working closely with the medical team.

"But look, he's the guide on this one. And he's working hard with the physio and doing all the rehab. We're just waiting for the word, really. But all I can keep saying, it's not making light of this, he is progressing and doing everything."

Dhoni has not played any professional cricket since featuring 14 times for CSK during last season’s IPL. The 44-year-old is slowly approaching the end of his illustrious cricketing career, but he will want fans to have one last glimpse of him on the field before he hangs up his boots. 

CSK coach confirms Dhoni's role once back from calf injury

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CSK coach confirms Dhoni's role once back from calf injury

CSK have had a one step forward, one step back kind of a season so far. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s side are currently sixth in the points standings, having picked up six points from eight games. They were on a high after comprehensively beating arch-rivals Mumbai Indians before suffering defeat against the Gujarat Titans on home soil.