Chennai Super Kings (CSK) veteran wicket-keeper batter MS Dhoni was spotted slogging away in the nets as he continues to recover from an early setback in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The legendary player has been ruled out for the initial stages of the campaign due to a calf strain, and was not a part of the team’s humbling loss to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati.

On that occasion, MS Dhoni had not travelled with the team for the away contest, as he stayed back in Chennai to continue his rehab work. Although highly unlikely to be available for CSK’s upcoming first home game against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Friday, April 3, he had a brief session in the nets towards the end of the session.

MS Dhoni looked in sublime touch as he hit a resounding pull shot, a stunning no-look six, and a commanding hit off the backfoot over the bowler’s head. Have a look at the stunning shots right here:

CSK handed over the wicket-keeping duties to Sanju Samson amid MS Dhoni’s absence, as emerging wicket-keeper Kartik Sharma had also made his debut during the loss against RR.

“Just when the 13th day is done” – Ruturaj Gaikwad on MS Dhoni’s recovery from injury in IPL 2026

Ahead of the clash against the Shreyas Iyer-led side, Ruturaj Gaikwad was asked about MS Dhoni’s injury and his potential recovery. The franchise’s official statement had mentioned that he would be out for two weeks, and the CSK skipper did not have much to inform. A report from Sportstar read:

“Gaikwad also said that he would be able to answer “just when the 13th day is done” when asked about Dhoni’s progress after an original 14-day prognosis.”

CSK have a busy set of days lined up as they will also feature in the weekend, in the form of an away clash against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Sunday, April 5.