Missed El Clasico, but when will MS Dhoni return? CSK share crucial injury update
IPL 2026, MI vs CSK: Michael Hussey said MS Dhoni is progressing well from a calf injury, batting strongly in nets and expected to return as a wicketkeeper once fully fit. CSK also boosted their season with a 103-run win over MI, moving to fifth on the IPL table.
Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey has provided an update on MS Dhoni’s return in IPL 2026 after the veteran was sidelined with a calf injury. Dhoni has yet to feature in the tournament but has recently returned to training, including wicketkeeping drills in the nets.
On Tuesday, April 21, CSK shared a video of Dhoni practicing with gloves, appearing in high spirits and even playfully reacting after effecting a stumping in the nets. The clip sparked optimism among fans about a possible return against MI on Thursday, though he ultimately did not make the cut for the match.
Hussey added that Dhoni is progressing well and batting strongly in the nets, but still needs to regain full fitness, particularly his ability to run hard between the wickets, before being considered for a comeback in upcoming matches.
“He’s progressing really well. I know he’s pushing hard to return as soon as possible, and the fans are eager to see MS Dhoni back on the field. We’re hopeful it could be in the next few games, but he needs to be close to 100% to give his best. He’s been batting well in the nets and looks in good touch, now it’s also about being able to run hard between the wickets,” Hussey told the broadcasters.
‘DHONI BATTING REALLY WELL’
Hussey also said that if Dhoni returns, it will be in the role of wicketkeeper rather than just a batter or Impact Sub. He stressed that Dhoni must manage his calf carefully to ensure he can run quick singles and doubles in the death overs. Hussey added that Dhoni is striking the ball cleanly in the nets, and his comeback now depends largely on the condition of his calf.
“I’m quite sure he’ll be back behind the stumps. The main concern is the calf injury, it’s about the running, especially late in the innings when he may need to push hard for ones and twos. He just needs to ensure the calf is strong enough to handle that workload. From a skill perspective, we know exactly what MS Dhoni can do as a wicketkeeper, and he’s batting really well. It’s now about regaining full confidence in that calf,” Hussey added.
As far as CSK are concerned, they handed MI their biggest defeat in IPL history with a commanding 103-run win at the Wankhede Stadium. With this victory, CSK moved to fifth on the table with six points and a net run rate of 0.118, having won three of their seven matches.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score