Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad spoke about MS Dhoni’s comeback ahead of the team’s third match of the IPL 2026 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Dhoni has been ruled out of action for two weeks due to calf strain and hasn’t played against Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and RCB.

After winning the toss and deciding to bowl first in Match No.11, Gaikwad gave a fresh update on the legendary wicket-keeper batter.

“He is recovering, and hopefully he will return soon. He is willing to play, but it takes time,” he said.

CSK had earlier issued a statement on Dhoni’s fitness setback. “MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026. Get well soon, Thala.”

Stephen Fleming, who is the head coach, mentioned that Dhoni’s absence doesn’t impact his influence on the squad.

After losing two tosses and matches, Gaikwad finally won the toss in Bengaluru.

According to him, he is bowling first because of the chasing history at this particular venue. The side is also dealing with the absence of Dewald Brevis, who is also recovering from an injury.

The five-time champions brought back England all-rounder Jamie Overton for the important clash against the defending champions.

West Indies left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Akeal Hosein was not considered, while Prashant Veer was retained.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru went in with the same team that won the opening game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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 Options: 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 Options: Matt Short, Akeal Hosein, Kartik Sharma, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Gurjapneet Singh