MS Dhoni is 44 years old, and while Chennai Super Kings supporters would love to see their “Thala” make an immediate impact every time he walks out, it’s fair to say the veteran is no longer in his peak playing phase. Dhoni is currently unavailable for IPL 2026 due to a calf strain. Although he has begun practising wicketkeeping drills in the nets, there is still no clear timeline for when he will return to full action. Even so, his influence within the group remains visible.
CSK opener Sanju Samson has spoken at length about what it feels like to represent the five-time title winners, and how Dhoni’s presence continues to shape the environment around the team. Samson said the change in mindset has made him feel more accountable with every opportunity.
“A very different feeling for me… a very star-studded kind of franchise I am involved in nowadays. So I feel a bit more responsible. I cannot easily throw away my wicket,” Samson said at an event.
He added that the consequences of losing one’s wicket are felt beyond the boundary rope. “Right after you throw away your wicket, you are walking into the airport and people are like, ‘Chetta, play more carefully’. So I am getting very used to being a CSK player and I kind of settled in a bit too quickly, I feel. Being a championship side isn’t about behaving like a champion or being arrogant or something like that. The base values are set by Mahi bhai and you can actually feel him in every team player and support staff.”
CSK’s social media also highlighted Dhoni’s ongoing wicketkeeping-centric status with a playful reminder: “Rule No. 1: Don’t step out when Thala’s behind the stumps.” The post added, “Rule No. 2: Read Rule No. 1 again.”
Ayush Mhatre ruled out after hamstring injury
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings announced on Tuesday that Ayush Mhatre, a key member of their top order, will miss the rest of the tournament after picking up a hamstring problem. The injury was sustained during CSK’s recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The franchise indicated that Mhatre will need between six and twelve weeks of rehabilitation.
CSK said in its release: “Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026 due to a left hamstring injury sustained while batting during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18. Ayush’s injury will require a rehabilitation period of 6-12 weeks. We wish Ayush a speedy recovery.”
After CSK’s loss, batting coach Michael Hussey shared further details about the situation. He said he did not know the precise severity of the hamstring issue at the time, but noted that it looked serious.
Mhatre had been brought in as an impact substitute for Gurjapneet Singh during the second over of CSK’s chase of 195. The 18-year-old made an immediate mark, appearing sharp from the start and attacking the bowlers early, scoring a quick 30 off 12 balls. The knock came after CSK lost their opener Sanju Samson during the same pursuit.
