MS Dhoni has not played yet in IPL 2026 due to calf injury. His team CSK is struggling. Away from the field, the video of his meeting with a little fan has gone viral, which shows his popularity.
MS Dhoni once again proved why he is called the most favorite face of cricket. Ahead of the IPL 2026 clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in Chepauk, MS Dhoni met a three-year-old boy. This heart-winning video of Dhoni has come at a time when CSK is struggling in the tournament. The team is at sixth position in the points table with just three wins in 8 matches.
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Former CSK captain Dhoni is recovering from a calf injury this season and has not played a single match so far. His absence is clearly being felt by the team. Under the captaincy of Ruturaj Gaikwad, the team is constantly struggling with injuries and poor form.
Despite being a five-time champion, Chennai has not been able to find its rhythm this season. Sanju Samson, who came to the team after trade, has performed well, but the rest of the batsmen have lacked consistency. Even captain Gaikwad, who has scored more than 2,680 runs for the franchise, has failed to lead the team from the front.
MS Dhoni’s comeback journey
Dhoni, who is known for playing despite injuries, was suffering from a chronic knee problem in his last years of captaincy. He underwent surgery after IPL 2024, when CSK missed qualifying for the playoffs. Making a comeback in 2025, he was used sparingly in the last overs. He scored 196 runs, but CSK again failed to make it to the playoffs.
At the age of 44, MS Dhoni was preparing for IPL 2026, but a calf injury ruled him out. Initially it was said that he would be out for two weeks, but it has been a month since the tournament started and he is still recovering. Dhoni is inspiring people even while away from the field. The video of his meeting with a little fan before the match in Chepauk was widely shared, which shows his deep relationship with Chennai.
Now CSK’s campaign hinges on regaining form in the second half of the season. Gaikwad and his team will have a tough test against a strong team like Mumbai Indians.