MS Dhoni’s return to competitive action for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) continues to remain a talking point as the veteran wicketkeeper-batter remains on the sidelines ahead of the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Dhoni was seen training with the CSK squad on the eve of the tournament’s matches, and ahead of CSK’s clash with the Mumbai Indians he even took part in wicket-keeping drills and batting workouts. Yet, on match day at the Wankhede Stadium, the 44-year-old did not appear, leaving supporters to head back without seeing their talisman take the field.
Dhoni’s absence and the latest speculation
The situation around Dhoni has been evolving since his calf injury first ruled him out for the opening stretch of the tournament. He was initially expected to miss the first two weeks, but with the layoff now approaching nearly a month, there has been no clear sign that he is ready to return to the playing XI. As the wait stretches on, speculation has grown about how Dhoni—if and when he comes back—might be used, with some suggesting he could return as an impact substitute while allowing Sanju Samson to handle the wicketkeeping role.
Michael Hussey rubbishes the wicketkeeping-impact talk
CSK’s batting coach Michael Hussey moved to put those theories to rest on Thursday during the IPL 2026 broadcast coverage surrounding the Mumbai Indians vs CSK match at the Wankhede Stadium. Hussey said that whenever Dhoni does make his return, he is expected to go behind the stumps.
- Hussey stated he is “pretty sure” Dhoni will be positioned as the wicketkeeper when he returns.
- He pointed to the calf injury as the key issue, explaining that the challenge is managing the sprinting demands—especially during the late overs when quick running becomes crucial.
- Hussey added that while the body needs to be strong enough to handle those “ones and twos,” building confidence in the calf is the main step for Dhoni to take the field again.
- He also emphasized that from a cricketing skills standpoint, CSK know Dhoni’s wicketkeeping ability is proven, and he has been hitting well as a batter.
- Hussey further suggested that the final piece is getting the calf fully comfortable so Dhoni can execute his role with confidence.
Fitness update: “progressing really well”
Hussey also shared a fitness assessment of the wicketkeeper-batter, indicating that Dhoni’s recovery is moving in the right direction. The coach said Dhoni is pushing hard to get back as soon as possible, while also noting that CSK wants him to be close to full readiness before he takes on the demands of match play.
- Hussey said Dhoni is progressing “really well” and is working to return at the earliest opportunity.
- He acknowledged the fans’ desire to see Dhoni playing again and expressed hope that a comeback could arrive “maybe in the next few games.”
- At the same time, Hussey stressed that Dhoni needs to be near 100% so he can deliver his best performance after batting well in the nets.
- He noted that Dhoni looks good in training, but the remaining requirement is to build confidence and fitness for the hard running between the wickets.
CSK’s tournament position and next fixture
With Dhoni still unavailable for selection, CSK have continued their campaign in the points table, currently occupying fifth place. The franchise has accumulated 6 points from 7 matches. Their position improved on Thursday after a dominant 103-run victory over the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.
CSK are now set to take on the Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, April 26.
