The anticipation for MS Dhoni’s return to IPL action in 2026, and for Rohit Sharma’s comeback from a hamstring problem, is set to continue. The two Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings mainstays missed the “El Clasico” clash between MI and CSK. It marked the first time since both players joined their respective franchises that they were absent from the fixture at the same time.
Dhoni and Rohit both sidelined for MI vs CSK
Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni were seen batting together in the nets on Wednesday, both dressed in their teams’ training gear. The first chapter of this year’s MI–CSK rivalry is scheduled at Wankhede Stadium, but whether the two leading figures will feature in another meeting remains uncertain.
Rohit, who had played the opening four matches for Mumbai Indians, left the field during the game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in this city about ten days ago. The reason was a hamstring injury, and since then he has been working his way back. Dhoni, meanwhile, is yet to take the field in the current IPL campaign, having been dealing with a calf strain picked up just before the tournament began toward the end of last month.
Recovery updates from the training ground
- Rohit Sharma has been working through a hamstring injury after leaving the field versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru 10 days ago.
- MS Dhoni has not played in this IPL due to a calf strain picked up before the tournament started late last month.
- Dhoni trained on Tuesday, taking part in wicket-keeping and then moving into batting work in the nets.
- On Wednesday, Dhoni had a brief session, followed by nearly an hour facing throwdown specialists and fast bowlers.
- CSK bowling coach Eric Simons said Dhoni’s availability will depend on how “happy” the former captain and the team’s medical staff are.
Dhoni went through a full-on practice feel on Tuesday at the same venue, including wicket-keeping drills before joining a batting session in the nets. On Wednesday, his time was shorter at first, after which he returned for close to an hour to take on throwdown deliveries and pace options.
In that extended portion, he struck a few shots that carried well, but his work also included missed contact against several balls. CSK’s bowling coach Eric Simons indicated that the final decision on whether Dhoni is ready will hinge entirely on the comfort levels of both the player and the team’s medical team.
There was also a lighter moment during the session when Dhoni—known as a long-time dog lover—noticed the AI-powered IPL robotic dog. He spent a few minutes engaging with it and attempted to get the robot to mirror his own gestures, though at times it failed to respond as he wanted.
Rohit’s training under lights after arriving with family
Earlier in the day, Rohit arrived at Wankhede Stadium with his family ahead of his batting stint under lights. The team indicated that he has been batting, but the ultimate call on whether he makes the playing XI will be taken around toss time on Thursday.
From his body language, Rohit did not appear to be in any obvious discomfort. His focus looked more on timing and placement than on trying to force power-hitting during the session.
Alongside Rohit’s work, India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav completed three separate batting stints in the nets on Wednesday. That session was MI’s only full-squad training activity, with an additional optional session held on Tuesday.
For Suryakumar, the camp has been a mixed picture. After a calm half-century away against Delhi Capitals, he has not yet been able to reproduce the level of consistency he showed last season, when he strung together 16 straight scores of 25 runs or more.
