Chennai Super Kings supporters are still counting down to MS Dhoni’s return to IPL action in 2026, despite seeing the veteran wicketkeeper-batter put in regular work with the franchise. Dhoni, initially ruled out because of a calf problem, has now been unavailable for nearly a month. While he has been spotted practising both his batting technique and wicketkeeping skills, he has not yet been named for a match, leaving parts of the fanbase frustrated.
There had also been speculation that Dhoni, once cleared, could come back purely as an impact batter and steer away from wicketkeeping responsibilities. That talk was addressed by CSK batting coach Michael Hussey, who spoke on the sidelines of the Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings game.
Hussey clarifies Dhoni’s expected role
- Hussey said he is confident Dhoni will be positioned behind the stumps when he returns.
- He pointed out the calf injury remains the key obstacle to overcome.
- He explained that Dhoni’s main test is not just facing balls in training, but also sprinting and quick movement late in innings—particularly the short bursts required between wickets.
- Hussey added that the decision is ultimately tied to whether the calf can handle those demands consistently.
“I’m pretty sure he’ll be behind the stumps,” Hussey said. “The biggest thing for him is that calf injury. It’s just the running and late in the innings if he comes in, having to scamper those ones and twos. He just needs to make sure the calf is strong enough to withstand that.”
Full fitness remains the priority
Hussey stressed that Dhoni’s comeback is not intended to be limited to a batting-only assignment. He noted that, from a skill perspective, CSK know exactly what Dhoni brings as a wicketkeeper. Hussey also referenced Dhoni’s batting form in training and underlined that the remaining requirement is rebuilding confidence in the injured area.
“But certainly from a skill perspective, we know what he can do as a keeper. We know he’s batting really well, so it’s just hopefully getting that confidence in the calf,” Hussey said.
Positive progress, return ‘in the next few games’
On the injury timeline, Hussey offered a more upbeat update, describing Dhoni’s recovery work as progressing well and saying the former India captain is pushing hard to get back as quickly as possible. Hussey also acknowledged the strength of fan demand for Dhoni’s on-field presence.
“He’s progressing really well. I know he’s pushing hard to get back as quickly as he possibly can. I know all the fans want to see him, MS Dhoni, out there playing as well. So we’re hopeful, maybe in the next few games, but we want him back as quickly as he possibly can as well,” Hussey added.
At the same time, Hussey made it clear that Dhoni will need to be close to full fitness before making a return to competitive cricket. He said Dhoni has looked good in the nets and has been batting well, but the final hurdle is ensuring he can run hard between the wickets during matches.
“But obviously, he needs to be close to 100 per cent ready to give his best because he’s been batting well in the nets, he looks good in the nets. Just need him running hard between the wickets too,” Hussey said.
For now, CSK are coping through the middle of the table following their win over Mumbai Indians. The franchise’s next assignment is a match against Gujarat Titans on Sunday, while Dhoni’s delayed return continues to be one of the most closely watched storylines ahead of the upcoming IPL fixtures.
