MS Dhoni has yet to play a single IPL match for Chennai Super Kings in the 2026 season and is presently working his way back from a calf problem. The setback happened before the campaign even got underway, and since then the veteran wicketkeeper-batter has remained on the sidelines as he continues his recovery.
CSK batting coach Michael Hussey shared that Dhoni’s progress has been encouraging. He said Dhoni has been gradually lifting his pace during batting practice, particularly while running between the wickets, with the aim of building confidence in his movement for match situations.
There is still no confirmation on whether Dhoni will take part in CSK’s upcoming clash against Mumbai Indians at Chepauk on Saturday. The latest update suggests Dhoni has not provided any indication to the Chennai management about his availability. The decision on his involvement, as per the report, is expected to be clarified around 5 pm—when the team is set to depart for the venue.
Both CSK and MI have struggled to find consistency in IPL 2026 so far. Chennai currently sits seventh on the points table, having won three matches and lost five. Mumbai Indians are placed ninth, with two wins and six defeats. With results swinging both ways, the scrutiny has intensified on the captains—Ruturaj Gaikwad for CSK and Hardik Pandya for MI.
Looking ahead to the match, Hussey said, “Hopefully he’ll be back as soon as possible. I don’t know if it’s tomorrow or it might be the next game after that, but he’s moving in the right direction. I’m aware he has been increasing his running speed, and that was likely the key area to get right. From a cricketing standpoint, we feel very confident—his batting and his wicketkeeping skills are there, and that’s not the concern.”
Hussey added that the recovery has also required Dhoni to prove he can maintain strong running capacity as an innings progresses. He explained, “The main thing is making sure he can keep that running power, especially towards the back end of an innings, when he’ll need to keep his head up and be ready for those quick one-and-twos. Once he feels fully confident in his calf, I’m sure he’ll get the green light to be ready to go.”
Hussey also outlined why Dhoni has been staying away from the ground during this phase of the season. He said Dhoni wanted to avoid any shift in attention from the rest of the squad to himself. “He’s very much a team-first person. He always wants what’s best for the team. He was concerned that if he came, it might become a distraction. With cameras around him so much, and the crowd cheering for him, it could pull focus,” Hussey said.
He further explained the thinking behind Dhoni’s absence from match days. “He wanted the group to just go about their job and do what we need to do—whether that’s the right approach or not, it’s not my call. That’s essentially the reasoning behind Dhoni not wanting to be at the matches,” Hussey concluded.
