The big talking point around MS Dhoni is still at the centre of IPL 2026 conversations: when will the Chennai Super Kings icon return, and will he feature in today\u2019s match against Sunrisers Hyderabad? With CSK set to take on SRH at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Saturday, supporters are eager to see the wicketkeeper-batter back in action.<\/p>\n
Dhoni has recently been spotted batting in the nets, looking sharp with clean contact and even sending a few balls over the boundary. Chennai Super Kings also posted a video on Instagram showing him in strong form, which has further fuelled speculation about his readiness.<\/p>\n
For now, the answer is no. Dhoni is still in the recovery phase from a calf strain and is not expected to be part of the XI against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Even though the initial two-week rehabilitation window has passed, the franchise is choosing to proceed with caution.<\/p>\n
That said, his return does not appear too far away. Reports suggest that his rehab work is going smoothly, and he could be back in the side for CSK\u2019s next assignments\u2014either the match against Mumbai Indians on April 23 at Wankhede Stadium or the game versus Gujarat Titans on April 26 at MA Chidambaram Stadium.<\/p>\n
Dhoni sustained the injury during a practice session just before the tournament began, which meant he missed the early weeks of IPL 2026. \u201cHe is still going through his rehabilitation and we don\u2019t want to take any risks with his fitness,\u201d CSK sources indicated.<\/p>\n
Despite the current layoff, Dhoni remains one of the most dependable run-getters in IPL history. Over 278 matches, he has amassed 5,439 runs across 242 innings, striking at 137.45 with a batting average of 38.30. His tally includes 24 half-centuries, with a highest score of 84*.<\/p>\n
In the all-time standings, he sits sixth among the leading run-scorers in IPL history. Last season, even though CSK ended at the bottom of the table, Dhoni still contributed 196 runs in 13 innings, averaging 24.50 and maintaining a strike rate above 135.<\/p>\n
Dhoni was retained by CSK as an uncapped player for \u20b94 crore ahead of IPL 2025, and that same contract has been carried through for IPL 2026.<\/p>\n
Heading into this contest, CSK will be looking to extend their momentum and push their winning run to three straight matches. SRH, meanwhile, will be keen to capitalise on home conditions, having won 2 of their 5 matches so far.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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