Huge update on MS Dhoni's return after CSK suffer 4th loss in IPL 2026

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 18 suffered their fourth defeat in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. While injuries to key players – Khaleel Ahmed and Ayush Mhatre – keep piling up, there is a question mark over their 44-year-old wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni’s availability as well. Dhoni has been training with the team, facing throwdown bowlers but yet to play a game this season. Sports Tak has learnt that Dhoni will take a call on whether he wants to keep playing considering his fitness issues.

No Samson show, no CSK win

In Dhoni’s absence, CSK’s star recruit Sanju Samson has been keeping wickets. Samson’s maiden century for the franchise helped them open their win account. His another crucial knock helped CSK win their second game as well. But, whenever Samson has failed to deliver, CSK have ended up losing the game.

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Skipper not leading from the front

While CSK have a long list of injured players, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has been out of form. From six innings, he has managed to score just 82 runs at an average of 13.66 and strike rate of 112.32.

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Mhatre injured, Khaleel ruled out

On April 18, in the unsuccessful run chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), CSK’s young top-order batter Ayush Mhatre got injury. Mhatre suffered a hamstring injury and the CSK batting coach Michael Hussey confirmed that he is likely to miss a few games. Earlier, in the win against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed suffered a quadriceps injury. Khaleel has been ruled out of the remainder of the IPL 2026. CSK are yet to announce his replacement.

CSK struggle, MI clash next

CSK find themselves in the seventh position on the IPL points table. Their net run rate (NRR) is slightly better than Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) who have two wins from five games.

CSK will face Mumbai Indians (MI) in their next clash at Wankhede Stadium on April 23. MI have been struggling too with just one win from five games. They are placed eighth on the points table. It will be interesting to see whether Dhoni turns up for the ‘El Clasico’ clash.