At the moment, MS Dhoni is 44 years old. Furthermore, it's reasonable to say that Dhoni, the super-finisher, is past his peak, even though Chennai Super Kings supporters may want their beloved Thala to perform every time he takes the pitch. Due to a calf ailment, he has not yet appeared in the 2026 IPL. It is still unclear when he will return, despite the fact that he has been practicing wicketkeeping in the nets. He still has an impact on the side, though.
Sanju Samson, the CSK opener, talked in-depth about what it's like to play for the five-time champions and how Dhoni's presence continues to have an impact on the squad.I'm currently working in a very star-studded franchise, which gives me a completely different experience.

I feel a little more accountable as a result. At an occasion, Samson remarked, "I cannot easily throw away my wicket."People tell you, "Chetta, play more carefully," as soon as you enter the airport after throwing away your wicket. I feel like I've adapted to being a CSK player a little too quickly. Behaving like a champion or being conceited is not what it means to be a championship side. Mahi bhai sets the fundamental principles, and you can sense him in every member of the team and support personnel."

After suffering a hamstring injury during the team's most recent game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) announced on Tuesday that their top-order batsman, Ayush Mhatre, will miss the rest of the competition. The hitter will need six to twelve weeks of rehabilitation, according to the team.Due to a left hamstring injury he suffered while batting against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18, Ayush Mhatre will miss the rest of the 2026 Indian Premier League. It will take six to twelve weeks for Ayush to recover from his injury. We hope Ayush recovers quickly," CSK said in a statement.

Batting coach Michael Hussey gave an update on the top-order batsman who sustained a hamstring injury while batting against SRH on Friday, April 18, following CSK's defeat in the match. He stated that while he was unsure of the precise severity of the injury, it appeared to be significant.
After CSK lost opener Sanju Samson in the second over of their pursuit of 195 runs, Mhatre entered as an impact substitute for Gurjapneet Singh. The 18-year-old, who appeared to be in excellent form, attacked the bowlers right away and quickly scored 30 off 12 balls.