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CSK VS RCB IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has provided a huge update on when MS Dhoni will be seen in action in the ongoing season during their IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday. Dhoni, who is currently recovering from a calf strain, has been ruled out for the first two weeks of IPL 2026 and has given the high-octane clash against RCB a miss.

Continuing with updates on Dhoni, after winning the toss and choosing to bowl first on a fresh pitch, Gaikwad mentioned, "He's getting back on track slowly. We all hope he returns soon. He's eager to play, but it takes time."

CSK previously released a statement confirming that Dhoni is undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain and is expected to miss the opening two weeks of IPL 2026. The statement wished him a speedy recovery.

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Stephen Fleming, the head coach of CSK, revealed that Dhoni's absence from the field hasn't diminished his impact.

After losing two tosses and as many matches, Gaikwad ensured the toss at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium came in his favor. He chose to bowl first as they are eyeing their first win of this season.

They are also missing the services of Dewald Brevis, who is also currently recovering from a side injury.

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The Chennai-based franchise made one change to their playing XI, with star all-rounder Jamie Overton returning to the side, bringing their overseas player count to three after including just two overseas players in their match against the Punjab Kings.

The West Indies spin-bowling all-rounder Akeal Hossein still wasn't included in their playing XI. Prashant Veer was once again part of CSK's playing XI, even though he didn't bowl in their last game.

Kartik Sharma, too, wasn't a part of their playing XI. Although he is in the Impact substitute list along with Australian all-rounder Matt Short, one of them will be used when the Chennai-based franchise is batting.

As far as the host is concerned, they have fielded the same playing XI that helped them win their tournament opener. The Rajat Patidar-led side has relied on the same playing XI, with Suyash Sharma on the Impact sub-list, who will be used when they bowl in the second innings. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side will play their matches without the services of Dhoni during the first half of the tournament, as the franchise has revealed that he will return only after completing his rehab.b.

RCB vs CSK: Playing XIs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (capt), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy

Impact subs bench: Suyash Sharma, Jacob Bethell, Rasikh Salam Dar, Kanishk Chouhan, Venkatesh Iyer

Chennai Super Kings: Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Matt Henry, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed

Impact Subs bench: Matt Short, Akeal Hosein, Kartik Sharma, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Gurjapneet Singh


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