Will MS Dhoni Play Tonight? CSK vs RCB IPL 2026 Updates

The five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be back in action as they face the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a Sunday double-header match on April 5. The Yellow Army, however, didn’t have a great start to their IPL 2026 campaign, registering back-to-back losses, but would look to come out strong when they face the Bengaluru-based side.

But before the match, the biggest question is whether MS Dhoni will return. Without him, CSK’s batting looks inexperienced and has struggled so far. The 43-year-old, who is currently on the sidelines, nursing a calf strain, is set to miss the upcoming game, as he was confirmed to miss the first two weeks of action.

Will MS Dhoni Play Tonight?

While the stalwart MS Dhoni suffered a strain just before IPL 2026, the Chennai Super Kings shared a post on X with a caption hinting at his situation, “MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026. Get well soon, Thala.”

However, there’s no confirmed date for MS Dhoni’s return. He was seen batting in the nets before the RCB vs CSK match, but he wasn’t moving his feet quickly. There are reports that he will miss at least six matches and tonight’s game is only CSK’s third match of the season. While MS Dhoni’s absence continues for CSK, they will also be without Dewald Brevis, who is recovering from a side strain.

The Protean international’s return is not yet defined, but he was seen hitting the nets. Speaking of CSK in IPL 2026, the former champions are seen struggling, having registered a loss against RR and Punjab Kings (PBKS). As they reel at the bottom-most spot in the IPL 2026 standings at the moment, both their defeats have come while defending.