Will MS Dhoni play today? That's the million-dollar question echoing across IPL 2026, and Chennai Super Kings' bowling coach Eric Simons has a blunt answer: "Way above my pay grade."

The 44-year-old legend remains sidelined with a calf injury, missing CSK's crucial away fixture against Delhi Capitals. Fans have been on edge, tracking every net session and social media post for clues about the icon's return. Dhoni hasn't played a single game this season, and with CSK facing their 10th match in what's been a challenging campaign, the urgency is palpable.

Speaking ahead of the DC clash, Simons offered a measured update: "He's not with us in Delhi, but steadily improving. He'll be ready when he's ready, and he knows when he's ready to play." It's a diplomatic answer that does little to calm the storm of speculation surrounding Dhoni's future in the league.

While the captain's absence looms large, there's a bright spot in the CSK camp. Bowling coach Simons heaped praise on Anshul Kamboj, who's been a revelation this season. The young pacer is joint highest wicket-taker with 17 scalps, impressing across all phases of the game.

"Anshul you see today isn't just this season's work—he started last year," Simons explained. "He went into the domestic season and worked on different angles of approach to the crease, particularly to improve his yorkers. We've introduced bowling around the wicket, which is no secret now, but the nuances make him particularly effective. He's picking up wickets while restricting run rates. It really comes down to his professionalism and the way he trains."

For CSK, every match from here feels like a must-win. The team remains confident about their playoff chances, but the absence of their talismanic leader adds pressure. As fans wait with bated breath for Dhoni's return, the message from the camp is clear: patience is key, and the legend will decide his own timeline.