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MS Dhoni Skips DC Clash, CSK Coach Eric Simmons Gives Update on Injury

Chennai Super Kings star MS Dhoni has not traveled to New Delhi for their IPL 2026 match against Delhi Capitals. Bowling coach Eric Simmons confirmed Dhoni's absence due to a calf muscle injury sustained during pre-season camp. Dhoni has missed all 10 matches so far this season, despite being with the team since March. CSK batting coach Michael Hussey revealed Dhoni deliberately avoids matches to prevent becoming a distraction.

Key Points: MS Dhoni Misses DC Match: CSK Coach Eric Simmons Update

  • MS Dhoni misses CSK's DC clash in New Delhi
  • Eric Simmons confirms Dhoni's absence due to calf injury
  • Dhoni hasn't played any IPL 2026 match yet
  • CSK batting coach Michael Hussey says Dhoni avoids distraction
2 min read

MS Dhoni is not with us in New Delhi, says CSK bowling coach Eric Simmons ahead of DC clash

CSK bowling coach Eric Simmons says MS Dhoni is not with the team in New Delhi for the DC clash, as the star wicketkeeper recovers from a calf injury.

"Update on MS Dhoni is way above my pay grade. He's not with us, but he's improving. - Eric Simmons"

New Delhi, May 4

Chennai Super Kings star wicketkeeper/batter MS Dhoni has not travelled to Delhi for CSK's upcoming match against Delhi Capitals in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026.

Bowling coach Eric Simmons confirmed on Monday that Dhoni will miss the game scheduled for Tuesday, potentially marking his 10th absence of the season.

"Update on MS Dhoni is way above my pay grade. He's not with us, but he's improving. He will be ready when he's ready. He knows when he's ready to play," said Simmons on the eve of CSK's 10th match of the season against Delhi Capitals.

Dhoni, who injured his calf muscle during the pre-season camp, hasn't featured in a single match yet for CSK in the ongoing IPL.

Despite being with CSK since March and regularly featuring in practice games and net sessions, widely shared on social media, Dhoni has yet to make an appearance in any of the team's eight matches so far.

Dhoni was retained by the Super Kings as an "uncapped player" for Rs 4 crore ahead of IPL 2025, and this retention was extended for IPL 2026, keeping his salary unchanged at Rs 4 crore.

Dhoni had a decent IPL 2025 season with the bat, making 196 runs from 14 matches at an average of 24.50 and a strike-rate of 135.17.

Chennai Super Kings are currently sixth on the points table, having recovered well from a difficult start that saw them suffer three consecutive defeats.

Earlier, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey said that MS Dhoni deliberately chose not to attend CSK's IPL 2026 matches because he didn't want to become a distraction for the team.

"He's such a team-oriented guy, MS Dhoni. He always wants what's best for the team, and he was worried that if he came, there'd be a bit too much of a distraction. Obviously, the cameras would be on him a lot. The crowd would be cheering for him and things like that," Hussey said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
I think it's time for CSK management to be more transparent. Every season it's some injury or the other. If Dhoni isn't fit enough to play, why retain him? He's taking up a spot that a younger uncapped player could use. No disrespect to the legend, but this feels like a PR game at this point.
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Vikram M
Michael Hussey's statement says it all. Dhoni knows the madness that follows him. If he's on the bench, the cameras would constantly zoom in on him, and it takes away from the team's focus. That's the kind of leader he is - always putting the team first. Even at 44, his commitment to CSK is incredible. Respect 🙏
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Sarah B
I'm a CSK fan from the US and it's honestly sad to see this. Dhoni is the soul of the team. Without him, CSK just feels incomplete. But if he's genuinely injured, he shouldn't rush back. IPL is just a tournament - his health matters more. Also, it's great to see the team recovering after that tough start. Hope they make it.
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Rohit P
Eric Simmons saying 'above my pay grade' is classic CSK management speak. They never give straight answers about Dhoni's availability. It's been 10 matches and he hasn't played a single game. At this rate, it's looking like a farewell season without actually saying goodbye. The man deserves a proper send-off, not this uncertainty.
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Emma D
It's interesting that they retained him as an uncapped player for just 4 cro

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