There is a chance that MS Dhoni could make his first comeback in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) after the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain was pictured keeping wickets for the first time during a training session in 2026. Dhoni was initially ruled out for two weeks due to a calf strain. But it took Dhoni longer than the two-week limit.
According to several reports, Dhoni kept wickets for almost 30 minutes as he batted at the Wankhede Stadium. It should be noted that Dhoni has been firing at the nets for quite a few days now, but he had not donned the gloves in the 2026 season before Tuesday.
CSK take on Mumbai Indians at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday and it would be a surprise if Dhoni finds his name in the playing XI or in the list of impact substitutes against Hardik Pandya’s side. The 44-year-old also had fun behind the wickets with one of CSK’s young batsmen, facing the likes of Jamie Overton and Matt Henry – CSK’s fastest pacers in 2026.
The inclusion of Dhoni, a five-time IPL captain, will not only be a big boost for the franchise but also for captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. With Ayush Mhatre ruled out of IPL 2026 due to a torn hamstring, Dhoni’s addition could provide balance to a team that has already lost four of the six games it has played so far in the tournament.
What does CSK say about MS Dhoni?
Meanwhile, the CSK support staff informed the mother about his current condition and date of return. After losing to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the previous match, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey was asked to update Dhoni. The Australian responded that Dhoni is progressing well in his rehabilitation and expressed satisfaction with his batting performance as a coach.
“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 during the post-match press conference. “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 batting at the back end of the innings, he’s going to have to throw himself back into those twos and stuff like that. He just needs to get the run confidence and build that speed. I don’t know when he’s going to play, but I hope it’s sooner than later,” like all Hussey fans.
Where are CSK placed in the points table?
CSK started with three back-to-back losses against Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The five-time champions bounced back with wins over Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders before going on the road again against Sunrisers Hyderabad. With just four points from six games, CSK are placed eighth, just above Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders.
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