Will MS Dhoni play tonight's RCB vs CSK, IPL 2026 match?

Notably, Dhoni was ruled out of the first two weeks of IPL 2026 with a calf strain, he sustained just prior to the start of IPL 2026.

The five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), will return to the field as they are scheduled to lock horns with defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), in Sunday’s double-header clash 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 ahead of the clash, the biggest question amidst talks is whether MS Dhoni will return. Without him, CSK’s batting order looks highly inexperienced and has struggled so far.

Will MS Dhoni play RCB vs CSK match?

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. While the stalwart suffered a strain just ahead of IPL 2026, the franchise took to X and captioned a post, “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 time frame in which Dhoni will return. While he was seen batting in the nets before the RCB vs CSK clash, he wasn’t moving his feet swiftly. There are reports that he will miss at least six matches and tonight’s game is only CSK’s third match of the season.

Dhoni and Brevis to miss RCB vs CSK IPL 2026 match

While MS Dhoni’s absence continues for CSK, they will also be without Dewald Brevis, who is recovering from a side strain. However, 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.   

CSK IPL 2026 squad

Batters: Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain), MS Dhoni, Sanju Samson, Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre, Kartik Sharma, Sarfaraz Khan, Urvil Patel.

All-rounders: Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Prashant Veer, Matthew William Short, Aman Khan, Zak Foulkes, Shivam Dube.

Bowlers: Khaleel Ahmed, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary, Shreyas Gopal, Gurjapneet Singh, Akeal Hosein, Matt Henry, Rahul Chahar, Spencer Johnson.