Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans are celebrating in massive support as MS Dhoni was seen training hard in the Wankhede Stadium nets just ahead of the much-anticipated Mumbai Indians (MI) vs CSK IPL 2026 match on Thursday (April 23). The 44-year-old icon, who has missed the entire season so far due to a calf injury, kept wickets and batted with confidence, sending strong signals of a possible comeback.
Watch the video that hints at the much-awaited comeback of MS Dhoni
The video was released by the IPL official on social media, just one day before the MI vs CSK clash. Dhoni was seen walking around the stadium and then burning fiery deliveries from the team’s bowlers. The sight of the five-time IPL champion smiling and engaged in the exercise lifted the spirits in the CSK camp.
MS Dhoni’s injury recovery and comeback hopes
MS Dhoni was initially ruled out for two weeks with a calf strain. However, recovery took longer than expected, keeping him out of the first six games. CSK supporters have been eagerly waiting for any positive update on their beloved ‘Thala’.
Team management has been tight-lipped about his exact condition and return date. After CSK’s recent loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, batting coach Michael Hussey was asked about Dhoni’s progress. He gave an encouraging answer during the post-match press conference.
“He’s progressing nicely with his rehab. And look, I’m the batting coach and I’m happy with the way he’s batting,” Hussey said. “As you saw yesterday in practice, he’s hitting well. He was very happy with where his swing was.
“It’s just a matter of getting the runs going because if he’s hitting in the back end of the innings, he’s going to have to throw back into those doubles and things like that. He just needs to get the confidence in the runs and get up to speed. I don’t know when he’s going to play, but I hope it’s sooner rather than later, as do all the fans.”
MS Dhoni’s IPL Career Stats
Dhoni remains one of the most successful players in IPL history. Here are its key numbers.
Career (278 matches): 5439 runs at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45, with 24 fifties, 375 fours, 264 sixes, 158 catches and 47 stumpings.
2025 season (14 matches): 196 runs at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17.
CSK Position in IPL 2026 Points Table
CSK had a mixed start to the season. They started with three straight losses against Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The five-time champions then bounced back with wins over Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders before slipping up again against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
With just four points from six matches, CSK are placed eighth in the points table, just above Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders with an NRR of -0.780. A win against Mumbai Indians, especially with Dhoni back, could lift their campaign and boost their playoff chances.
