CHENNAI: The long wait to watch MS Dhoni back in action should end within the next week. Team sources indicate that Dhoni’s rehabilitation is progressing well, and he may be considered for a return either in the Chennai Super Kings match versus Mumbai Indians on April 23 at the Wankhede Stadium or in the rearranged fixture against Gujarat Titans on April 26 at MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Dhoni had picked up a calf injury during training about a week before the IPL began, which meant he missed the opening three weeks of the tournament. CSK are set to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, but Dhoni is not expected to feature in that game. “He is still working through his rehab, and we don’t want to risk his fitness,” the sources added.
In the meantime, Dhoni has been regularly batting in the nets, focusing on his ability to hit with proper range. Once he is fully cleared, it will be interesting to see how CSK incorporate him back into the playing XI. Sanju Samson has been handling the wicketkeeping duties so far, and he is likely to remain in that role, which opens the door for Dhoni to be used as an ‘Impact Player’ if needed.
