Veteran cricketer MS Dhoni is on the path to recovery from a calf injury, as confirmed by Chennai Super Kings’ bowling consultant Eric Simons. However, Dhoni will not be accompanying the team to New Delhi for their upcoming IPL 2026 match against Delhi Capitals. He has not played a single game this season, with his last appearance in the IPL dating back to May 25, 2025, against Gujarat Titans.
The Chennai Super Kings are currently positioned at sixth place on the points table, having secured four wins out of nine games. To secure a spot in the playoffs, they need to win at least four more matches from their remaining fixtures. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s recent strong performances, scoring 74 and 67 runs in the last two games, have been a positive for the team.
Describing Gaikwad as a standout performer in the team, Simons praised the opener’s leadership qualities and his ability to perform under pressure. Gaikwad’s consistent performance has been crucial for the team, especially during challenging situations in the matches. Simons highlighted Gaikwad’s resilience and termed him a reliable batsman in tough conditions.
While some players like Sanju Samson, Urvil Patel, and Kartik Sharma have been successful in making runs, others like Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis are yet to make a significant impact. Dube, known for his powerful hitting, has shown glimpses of his potential but lacks consistency, scoring 150 runs from eight innings at a strike rate of 140. Brevis, on the other hand, has struggled to find form in IPL 2026, managing only 64 runs in four innings with an average of 16 and a strike rate of 121.
Simons expressed confidence in the abilities of Dube and Brevis, emphasizing that their breakthrough performances are just a matter of time. He highlighted that both players are experienced and talented cricketers with impressive records, and their success in the tournament is imminent. Simons attributed their current form to the challenging nature of the game and the fast-paced schedule of the IPL.
