Dhoni doubtful for Delhi Capitals clash

The Chennai Super Kings continue to be concerned about MS Dhoni's fitness. As of Tuesday, April 7, the CSK talisman was not even close to match fitness, and it is unclear when he will be able to participate in the team's April 11 match against Delhi Capitals. CSK officials confirm that Dhoni has been undergoing rehab for a calf muscle strain, and at this stage, he may need at least one more week to be fit enough to play. Over the next seven days, the Super Kings are scheduled to host a couple teams at the Chepauk - Delhi Capitals on April 11 and Kolkata Knight Riders on April 14. He is almost certain to miss the Delhi Capitals game, and the odds are stacked against him even to make the KKR match, even as CSK await their former captain to add his experience to a campaign that has nosedived in the first three games. The five-time champions are yet to open their account on the points table of the season. Dhoni, 44, has decided not to travel with the side for their away games - be it to Guwahati on March 30 or to Bengaluru on April 5. In between, they played a home game against Punjab Kings, and Dhoni was not seen, leading to speculation over his conspicuous absence. Cricbuzz is aware that Dhoni is undergoing rehabilitation in Chennai with his family under the supervision of dedicated CSK support staff, which includes a physiotherapist and a masseur. A few days ago, he also participated in a batting practice at the CSK nets. "MS is undergoing rehab and it will take some time. "We can't say how long," the CEO Kasi Viswanathan said. He also said that Dewald Brevis, who also missed the start of the season because of a side strain, is getting better. "We are hoping he will be available for the next game, but that will depend on how he progresses. We have a few days before the next game." This is Super Kings' second-longest losing streak at the start of an IPL season - they had a worse beginning in the 2022 season, when they lost their first four games. Last year, when they finished at the bottom of the points table, they won their opening game but lost the next five, eventually ending with four wins from 14 matches.