Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey has said MS Dhoni is moving in the right direction as he works toward a return to action in IPL 2026, though the wicketkeeper-batter is still not ready to feature in the playing XI. Dhoni has been sidelined with a calf issue, but he has been taking part in net sessions, leaving CSK waiting to see exactly when he can be included again. The latest update came after CSK’s narrow defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, where Hussey shared his assessment of Dhoni’s rehabilitation and highlighted the specific areas he is focusing on to regain match sharpness.
Key takeaways
- Michael Hussey believes MS Dhoni’s rehab is progressing well, even though an exact return date is yet to be confirmed.
- Dhoni has been unavailable for IPL 2026 matches due to a calf strain, despite continuing net work.
- CSK lost to SRH by 10 runs after chasing 195, but could not accelerate in the closing overs.
- SRH’s innings featured explosive half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen as they posted 194/9.
- SRH moved up to fourth place in the points table, while CSK dropped to seventh after two wins from six games.
Hussey upbeat on Dhoni’s comeback path
Speaking at the post-match press conference following CSK’s loss, Hussey stressed that Dhoni is gradually ticking the right boxes in recovery. The CSK batting coach said he is pleased with how Dhoni has been batting during his sessions and framed his progress as encouraging rather than rushed.
Hussey said Dhoni’s work in rehab is centered on improving running ability and speed, particularly the capacity to move quickly between the wickets during the later phases of an innings. He also indicated that confidence in those running bursts is a key part of the final stretch before Dhoni can consider a return to competitive cricket.
The batting coach further explained that he cannot name a precise match return timeline, but he is hopeful Dhoni will be back sooner instead of later. Hussey pointed out that Dhoni looked comfortable with the bat in training and that the remaining emphasis is on building the pace and assurance needed for quick singles and twos when pressure mounts.
SRH vs CSK: SRH win by 10 runs
In the match itself, Sunrisers Hyderabad edged past Chennai Super Kings by 10 runs in a closely contested encounter. SRH set the tone first with a competitive total, and CSK’s chase ultimately fell short despite contributions from multiple batters.
Batting first, SRH compiled 194/9. Abhishek Sharma played a major role with a rapid 59 off 22 balls, while Heinrich Klaasen struck a crucial 59 off 39 deliveries to help SRH reach a demanding total. Abhishek’s innings set up momentum early, including a record-fast fifty, and Klaasen provided stability after the side lost early wickets.
CSK’s bowling did produce regular pressure, preventing SRH from pushing beyond the 200-run mark. Jamie Overton took 3/37, Anshul Kamboj claimed 3/22, and Mukesh Choudhary finished with 2/21 as SRH managed to stay just under the three-figure mark ceiling.
Chasing 195, CSK had periods where they looked in control. Ayush Mhatre made 30 off 13 balls, Matthew Short contributed 34 off 30, and Sarfaraz Khan scored 25 off 16, giving the chase a chance even after some interruptions.
However, SRH’s bowling tightened the contest during the middle and the death overs. Eshan Malinga picked up 3/29 and Nitish Kumar Reddy took 2/31, with key wickets arriving at steady intervals. Those breakthroughs slowed CSK’s momentum, and despite a late push, they were unable to reach the target.
With the chase ending 10 runs short, CSK finished just behind as SRH’s disciplined bowling proved decisive in the final overs.
Points table impact
After the result, SRH climbed to fourth position in the IPL 2026 points table. The win took them to three victories from six matches. CSK, meanwhile, slipped to seventh place, registering two wins in six games.
