‘Thala’ MS Dhoni is set to make his return to the Chennai Super Kings starting XI in the Indian Premier League 2026 opener against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians, with Thursday’s clash poised to be his first appearance of the season. With the two most decorated franchises in the T20 league locking horns, Dhoni is expected to return behind the stumps after a lengthy absence, wearing the wicket-keeper’s gloves once again. Former CSK all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has now confirmed that Dhoni is declared fit and is expected to take over the wicket-keeping duties, with Sanju Samson likely to shift away from the role either to the outfield or into an impact option.
Dhoni’s comeback has looked increasingly likely after he was spotted training with the Super Kings, where he worked on both batting and wicket-keeping skills. In the nets, he appeared calm and comfortable during his session and even faced the team’s overseas pace options, Matt Henry and Jamie Overton. There also appeared to be no visible signs of the calf issue that had previously raised fitness concerns, adding further confidence that the veteran is ready to compete at full speed.
Ashwin, speaking in a video posted on his YouTube channel, said he had never seen Dhoni keep wickets in the nets before, but that he was doing exactly that on the day in question. The former India off-spinner went on to suggest the wicket-keeping gloves would be Dhoni’s responsibility going forward, while Samson would then have to adjust his role, either to the outfield or as an impact player. Ashwin also expressed certainty that Dhoni would take part in the match, reinforcing the expectation of his return being imminent.
Ashwin’s comments were clear: Dhoni is now fully fit, he is expected to play against Mumbai, and the wicket-keeping duties are likely to be handled by the former CSK captain, with Samson taking up fielding responsibilities instead.
Dhoni’s return comes after an initial expectation that he would miss action for a couple of weeks. Instead, he ended up sitting out the first 25 days of the new campaign, making Thursday’s game a key moment both for his personal comeback and for CSK’s XI selection. The Super Kings have also been forced to manage a difficult stretch on the injury front, with pacer Khaleel Ahmed and batter Ayush Mhatre ruled out for the rest of the season. The franchise is yet to announce who will replace the two players.
The boost is not limited to Chennai, either. Mumbai Indians have also confirmed that all-rounder Will Jacks is ready for Thursday’s match. The Englishman practised with the squad on Tuesday and is expected to be in contention for a place in the playing XI against CSK, giving the visitors another selection option as they prepare for the high-profile contest.
