MS Dhoni’s next IPL outing may not come in Chennai Super Kings’ upcoming game versus Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Saturday, but the following week could finally see his return. A recent report suggests the 44-year-old is nearing a first appearance in IPL 2026 against Mumbai Indians on April 23 at the Wankhede Stadium.
Possible IPL 2026 return: April 23 at Wankhede
While the match against SRH is not expected to feature Dhoni, the timing of his comeback is being linked to CSK’s trip to face Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium next week. The report also indicates that Dhoni’s condition is close to full fitness, though it stops short of confirming whether he will be part of the official travelling group for the Hyderabad fixture.
Injury layoff and why Dhoni’s availability has been questioned
Dhoni has been sidelined since the start of the season and has missed CSK’s first five matches. The reason, as outlined in the report, traces back to a calf injury that has kept him away from action and away-game travel.
- After the calf injury, Dhoni has not travelled with CSK for away matches.
- He has been recuperating in Chennai, where his family is based.
- Dhoni was also not spotted at the MA Chidambaram Stadium during CSK’s home matches earlier in the campaign, which led to speculation.
- Even so, the report states he has been monitoring the team’s progress closely from the team hotel.
Training updates: present for home sessions and light batting
Despite not being part of match-day squads, Dhoni has been seen in training environments at Chepauk. He attended training sessions for all three home games this season and even took part in light batting work, though he limited himself to throwdowns. Importantly, there were no indications reported of discomfort during those sessions.
How Dhoni’s influence has continued, and CSK’s recent form
Even with Dhoni absent on match days, his presence in the team environment appears to have remained. Earlier this week, bowling coach Sridharan Sriram explained how a detailed conversation with Noor Ahmad during training played a role in the spinner’s turnaround—helping him return to form and produce a match-winning impact against Delhi Capitals.
CSK’s campaign started poorly as they lost their opening three matches and slipped to the bottom of the table. However, they then rallied with two straight wins at home, lifting them to eighth place. Now, the franchise will aim to take that momentum into their next away assignment, beginning with the trip to play Hyderabad on April 18.
