Dhoni’s Return Delayed Again After Fresh Calf Injury Setback: CSK Coach Fleming

Chennai Super Kings’ wait for the return of their iconic former captain continues, MS Dhoni has suffered a fresh setback in his recovery from a calf injury, pushing his comeback further into uncertainty.

Head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed that Dhoni, who has already missed eight matches this IPL season , aggravated his calf problem during a warm-up game , forcing the franchise to adopt a more cautious rehabilitation plan .

Fleming explained that Dhoni was initially expected to recover within a couple of weeks, but the recurrence of the injury has slowed things down significantly. According to him, the main concern now is preventing a complete relapse , given the strain such injuries carry in high-intensity cricket.

“He was progressing well, but during a warm-up session he felt it again,” Fleming said, noting that Dhoni has since been focused on rehabilitation work and controlled movement under the supervision of the medical team. “It’s just taken longer than expected because of that setback.”

Despite the delay, Fleming stressed that Dhoni remains closely involved with the squad’s preparation, working alongside physios and continuing his recovery routine . While he has been attending training sessions, his participation has largely been limited to throwdowns and light wicketkeeping drills , which had recently sparked optimism about a possible return.

However, the latest update suggests CSK will not rush his comeback, with the medical team prioritising long-term fitness over immediate availability . Fleming emphasised that the team is simply waiting for final clearance before considering him for selection.

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings continue to struggle in his absence, slipping to their fifth defeat in eight matches after being outplayed by Gujarat Titans. CSK posted 158/7 on a challenging surface but failed to contain the opposition, who chased the target comfortably in 16.4 overs .

Fleming admitted that CSK found it difficult to adapt to the pitch conditions and could not capitalise on early assistance that Gujarat’s bowlers exploited effectively.

As CSK head into a brief break before their next fixture against Mumbai Indians, all attention remains fixed on Dhoni’s recovery timeline, still uncertain, but being handled with extreme caution .