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.<\/p>\n
CSK batting coach Michael Hussey shared that Dhoni\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
There is still no confirmation on whether Dhoni will take part in CSK\u2019s 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\u2014when the team is set to depart for the venue.<\/p>\n
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\u2014Ruturaj Gaikwad for CSK and Hardik Pandya for MI.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead to the match, Hussey said, \u201cHopefully he\u2019ll be back as soon as possible. I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s tomorrow or it might be the next game after that, but he\u2019s moving in the right direction. I\u2019m 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\u2014his batting and his wicketkeeping skills are there, and that\u2019s not the concern.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hussey added that the recovery has also required Dhoni to prove he can maintain strong running capacity as an innings progresses. He explained, \u201cThe main thing is making sure he can keep that running power, especially towards the back end of an innings, when he\u2019ll need to keep his head up and be ready for those quick one-and-twos. Once he feels fully confident in his calf, I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll get the green light to be ready to go.\u201d<\/p>\n
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. \u201cHe\u2019s very much a team-first person. He always wants what\u2019s 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,\u201d Hussey said.<\/p>\n
He further explained the thinking behind Dhoni\u2019s absence from match days. \u201cHe wanted the group to just go about their job and do what we need to do\u2014whether that\u2019s the right approach or not, it\u2019s not my call. That\u2019s essentially the reasoning behind Dhoni not wanting to be at the matches,\u201d Hussey concluded.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":6892,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"Dhoni Injury Update: CSK vs MI Clash in IPL 2026","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Dhoni\u2019s calf recovery drags on as CSK weigh his IPL 2026 return vs MI\u2014latest injury update, return timeline, and what it means for Chennai.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6893","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"\n