Chennai Super Kings’ MS Dhoni (PTI photo)

There is still no clear timeline around MS Dhoni’s return as Chennai Super Kings continue to navigate IPL 2026 without their former captain. Dhoni had suffered a calf injury just before the start of the season, and while the franchise initially indicated a two-week recovery period, his absence has now stretched into the fourth week with no confirmed comeback date.There was a brief surge of optimism on Tuesday when Dhoni was seen training at the Wankhede Stadium. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter spent considerable time batting in the nets and also went through wicketkeeping drills, suggesting he could be in contention for CSK’s upcoming clash against the Mumbai Indians. However, those hopes were quickly tempered.Addressing the media ahead of the match, CSK bowling coach Eric Simmons made it clear that there would be no rushed decision on Dhoni’s return.“MS will only play when he feels he is ready to go and the medical team clears him, so I am not going to make any announcement sitting here,” Simmons said.The uncertainty around Dhoni’s availability comes at a time when Chennai Super Kings are already dealing with multiple injury setbacks. Fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed has been ruled out of the tournament with a right quadriceps injury, while top-order batter Ayush Mhatre has also been sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a hamstring issue.The franchise is yet to officially name replacements, though there have been developments behind the scenes. Reports indicate that former Mumbai Indians pacer Akash Madhwal attended CSK’s trials in Hyderabad, while Rajvardhan Hangargekar is also believed to have taken part in a trial session with the team in Mumbai.These disruptions have impacted CSK’s campaign. The five-time champions are currently placed eighth on the points table with two wins from four matches. After losing their opening three fixtures, they managed to revive their season with back-to-back home victories, only to slip again in their most recent game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.Their next opponents, Mumbai Indians, head into the contest with renewed confidence. They sit just above CSK in seventh place and are coming off a dominant 99-run win over Gujarat Titans, giving them momentum ahead of the clash.