Chennai Super Kings have already played six matches in IPL 2026, and their record has been tough so far: four defeats and only two wins. One notable absence throughout that stretch has been former captain MS Dhoni, who has not taken part since early in the tournament. A calf issue kept him sidelined for the first two weeks of the competition. Even though Dhoni travelled with the squad to Hyderabad, he did not appear in the stadium during that trip. On Tuesday, though, CSK shared a video of Dhoni wicketkeeping, reigniting questions about whether the wicketkeeper-batter is ready to return when CSK take on Mumbai Indians on Thursday.
Rule No. 1: Don’t step out when Thala’s behind the stumps. Rule No. 2: Re-read Rule No. 1 again. WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/mPYUIb3yuW — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 21, 2026
Hussey upbeat on Dhoni’s recovery
On Sunday, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey voiced optimism about Dhoni’s potential comeback during the ongoing IPL 2026. Hussey noted that Dhoni has not yet featured in the tournament, with his continued return linked to recovery from the calf strain. While the right-handed batter has been involved in net sessions, a clear timetable for his return to CSK’s playing XI remains uncertain.
After CSK went down by 10 runs to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, Hussey spoke to the media at the post-match press conference. He said Dhoni’s rehab is moving in the right direction and that he is pleased with how the wicketkeeper-batter has been batting.
“He’s progressing nicely with his rehab. And look, I’m a batting coach, and I’m happy with how he’s batting,” Hussey said, adding that Dhoni’s form has been encouraging.
Hussey further explained that Dhoni’s key priority during his spell on the sidelines has been rebuilding running fitness and improving speed—especially the bursts needed to complete quick runs between the wickets during the final stages of an innings. The coach also indicated that while he cannot name an exact return date, he is hopeful Dhoni will be back soon.
“As you saw yesterday at training, he’s batting well. He was very happy with where his batting is at. He’s just about progressing with his running, because if he’s going to bat towards the back end of the innings, he’s going to have to scurry back for those twos and things like that. He just needs to get confidence in his running and build that speed up. I don’t know when he’ll play, but I’m hoping it’s sooner rather than later, like all the fans are,” the CSK batting coach said.
