MS Dhoni has missed all eight of Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) IPL 2026 matches so far due to a calf injury. With only six league games remaining, it's not clear if fans are ever going to see the legendary wicketkeeper play in the cash-rich event again.

Initially ruled out for two weeks, Dhoni’s recovery hit an obstacle after he re-tweaked his calf muscle during a warm-up session. While the 44-year-old is doing rehab and batting in the nets, the CSK management is acting cautiously to prevent a long-term injury.

Amid the setback, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has claimed that Dhoni will only play if CSK are eliminated from playoff contention.

"If CSK gets out of the tournament, then MS Dhoni might play. CSK are still in the tournament, so why will they take the risk now? I still feel that CSK have a chance to qualify for the playoffs. But yeah, it is difficult. The way CSK have played in the last five matches, it has given them a little confidence. CSK's bowling is firing, if their batting fires, they can put together three wins on the bounce," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Addressing the media after CSK’s loss to Gujarat Titans (GT) at Chepauk on Sunday (April 26), head coach Stephen Fleming revealed that MS Dhoni's injury is such that he can't be risked at the moment.

"The calf is a tough one, though. If he takes off and rips it again, then he will be gone. We pushed it early, and in the warm-up game he tweaked it again, it's my understanding. Since then, he has just been working hard to get some movement into it, but there was a setback, so it has taken longer than we thought.

"He is the guide on this one, and he's working hard with the physio and doing all the rehab, and we're just waiting for the word. All I can say is stop making light of it, as he is progressing and doing everything he can," Fleming told reporters.

CSK are currently occupying 6th spot in the team standings with three wins. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side will next face Mumbai Indians at Chepauk on May 2.

Ashwin urged the Super Kings to focus entirely on winning their remaining league matches to stay alive in the race for playoffs.

"If CSK has to stay in the tournament, they have to win the next game. If you can win against MI, you can be back in the mid-table muddle. All of the matches CSK have remaining, they will be playing on good batting wickets, and even Ruturaj is back in form. Winning four of six matches is not that hard," he remarked.