MS Dhoni is back to feeling better following a calf issue, but the Chennai Super Kings veteran is still choosing to stay out of the playing XI to avoid unsettling the side’s settled balance ahead of the IPL 2026 meeting with Gujarat Titans. The decision, even with Dhoni reportedly passing his fitness check, is being framed as a matter of team continuity and protecting the role of younger players during the league phase.
Dhoni, who picked up a calf strain, has not appeared in any CSK match this season, despite attending net sessions over the previous week. While there were signs of progress, the latest reports suggest he is reluctant to return immediately—particularly in the “last couple of fixtures”—so that established combinations are not disrupted. With the CSK middle order not producing at the level the franchise would expect this term, the call to come back has reportedly been left largely with Dhoni himself.
On Thursday, batting coach Michael Hussey clarified that once Dhoni resumes full participation, he will return as a wicketkeeper rather than being limited to an impact role. Hussey’s message was clear: when the former India captain is fit enough to play, his wicketkeeping duties will come first.
The 44-year-old missed his seventh consecutive IPL 2026 match during Thursday’s game against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. His unavailability has continued as he works through the injury that initially ruled him out for a two-week period starting March 28.
There had been speculation that Dhoni might be able to feature as a specialist batter by using the Impact Player option, especially with Sanju Samson and Kartik Sharma available as wicketkeeping alternatives. Hussey, however, dismissed that idea and indicated that Dhoni’s return would be in his customary position behind the stumps.
“Oh, I’m pretty sure he’ll be behind the stumps. The biggest thing for him is that he’s had the calf injury, it’s just the running and late in 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,” Hussey said during a mid-match interaction.
Hussey added that the club is not concerned about Dhoni’s skill set, focusing instead on the physical confidence required. “But certainly from a skill perspective, we know what he can do as a keeper. We know he’s batting, he’s batting really well, so it’s just hopefully getting that confidence in the calf,” he said.
Dhoni’s absence has remained a recurring topic in conversations around CSK’s matches. At the toss ahead of the Mumbai Indians game, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad acknowledged the gap, saying, “All thanks to the legend (Dhoni) who is not here unfortunately,” while referencing the response from the crowd.
Even though Dhoni has been sidelined for longer than many expected, he showed signs of improvement by keeping wickets during net work on the eve of the match—his first such session of the season. However, he was still not named in the playing XI, meaning he has now missed half of CSK’s matches so far.
Giving a further update on Dhoni’s condition, Hussey said the wicketkeeper-batter is getting closer, though not yet at match readiness. “Yeah, 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 MS Dhoni out there playing as well. So we’re hopeful maybe in the next few games. We want him back as quickly as he possibly can as well,” Hussey said.
He also stressed that Dhoni’s return will depend on being near full fitness. “But obviously he needs to be close to 100 per cent ready to give his best. Because he’s been batting well on the nets. He looks good in the nets. Just needs to run hard between the wickets too,” Hussey added.
