Will legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni and England all-rounder Will Jacks be back in action when Mumbai Indians take on Chennai Super Kings in a high-profile Wankhede Stadium fixture on Thursday night? After several days of build-up, both names have drawn fresh optimism from their latest training activity in Mumbai, setting the stage for a major boost to two teams already shaping their IPL 2026 plans.
What Dhoni and Jacks did at the Wankhede
- On Tuesday night, Dhoni trained intensely with the CSK group at the Wankhede, spending time behind the stumps for roughly half an hour.
- During the same session, the 44-year-old also batted for around 30 minutes, looking comfortable as he struck the ball cleanly.
- Dhoni’s recent fitness check comes after a calf strain picked up during the pre-season camp, though no clear discomfort was visible during his work in the nets.
- Dhoni had also gone through practice with the CSK squad earlier in Chennai, adding to the sense that his return is moving in the right direction.
- Jacks arrived in India only after missing MI’s opening six matches of the season, and he joined the Mumbai nets at the Wankhede on Monday between 5 pm and 6 pm.
- On Tuesday, the England international also took part in an optional under-lights session, continuing his build-up ahead of the clash.
- In the nets, Jacks bowled and then batted for nearly an hour, showcasing his readiness in both disciplines.
CSK currently sit eighth in the IPL 2026 points standings, with two victories and four defeats. A potential return for Dhoni would offer the side extra batting depth, particularly in the later phases where experience and composure can swing tight T20 contests.
For MI, the arrival of Jacks is a timely lift. The franchise’s campaign had regained traction after a commanding 99-run win over Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Monday night. Jacks’ delayed entry into the country had been kept unclear, with MI not disclosing reasons for his absence during the first three weeks of IPL 2026, but his presence has been eagerly awaited by both supporters and team staff.
Jacks, a power-hitting middle-order option who can also deliver as a spinner, strengthens MI in two key areas. His inclusion could also force MI to make a selection decision among their overseas spin options, with Allah Ghazanfar or Mitchell Santner potentially the one to miss out. At the 2026 T20 World Cup, Jacks had stood out for England with four Player of the Match awards, including several productive cameos at No. 6 and No. 7, and he is expected to provide MI with a dependable finishing angle.
Spencer Johnson added to CSK squad
CSK also received another personnel update on Tuesday. Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson, signed as a replacement for Nathan Ellis, arrived with the squad in Mumbai ahead of the marquee match. Johnson trained with the team at the Wankhede and is expected to be included in the playing XI on Thursday night.
He is likely to come in for Khaleel Ahmed, who was ruled out due to an injury suffered last week. CSK’s season has been hit by setbacks following a sluggish beginning, and the latest wave of fitness issues adds pressure to their selection.
In their most recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, young batter Ayush Mhatre picked up a hamstring injury and has been ruled out for the remainder of IPL 2026.
