MS Dhoni has caused a massive fitness scare among fans after being spotted walking with noticeable discomfort during a Chennai Super Kings training session ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. At 44, he remains one of the most successful players and an enduring face of the tournament, having witnessed every evolution of the T20 format. Having spent more than half his life as a professional cricketer, Dhoni’s longevity is a testament to his fitness and drive, yet the sheer physical toll of decades at the highest level is becoming increasingly difficult to mask.
MS Dhoni seen limping during CSK's training session
During a recent training session at the Chepauk, fans were met with a sobering sight as cameras captured the legendary wicketkeeper-batter looking visibly sore. Walking around the pitch with a noticeable limp, the image was a stark contrast to the razor-sharp athlete who built a career on turning ones into twos with explosive speed. While he didn't appear completely incapacitated, his tentative movement suggested he is currently operating at less than 100% as the season opener approaches.
ALSO READ: SRH suffer another blow after 'Pat Cummins' jolt, 25-yr-old star ruled out of IPL 2026
Watch the video here:
This latest fitness scare has reignited discussions regarding his role in the squad and his eventual retirement. While some fans have expressed concern over him pushing his body beyond its limits, others remain grateful for his commitment to the franchise. With the arrival of Sanju Samson via a high-profile trade, the team now has a high-caliber wicketkeeping alternative, which may allow the management to better regulate Dhoni's workload and perhaps utilize him more strategically throughout the campaign.
CSK's injury woes grow after Nathan Ellis, Matthew Short jolt
CSK are already grappling with injury woes key players either missing the start of the tournament or missing it entirely.
Australian all-rounder Matthew Short is slated to miss the opening stages of the tournament as he recovers from a thumb fracture sustained during domestic competition. While he is expected to link up with the squad later in the season, his absence creates an immediate void in the top order and limits the team's flexibility with part-time bowling.
ALSO READ: Massive setback for Punjab Kings, star player to miss early part of IPL 2026
This injury presents a particular tactical hurdle for CSK, as Short was the only specialized off-spinner on the roster. His unavailability leaves the franchise without an experienced spin-bowling all-rounder to balance the lineup, especially for fixtures at their spin-friendly home ground. In the interim, CSK is likely to rely on other overseas players like Dewald Brevis, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, and Matt Henry to round out their starting XI during the first few weeks.
Adding to injury woes, Nathan Ellis has been ruled of the entire season due to persistent hamstring injury. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan earlier confirmed that franchise is already in hunt of Ellis' replacement