MS Dhoni and IPL’s Artificial Intelligence Robot Dog (Image Credit: X) NEW DELHI: MS Dhoni is yet to feature in IPL 2026. Fans are eagerly waiting for their superstar to return to the field. He is nursing a calf strain he developed just before the start of the tournament late last month, and anticipation is high among fans ahead of Chennai Super Kings’ clash against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.A day before the match, Dhoni lit up the stadium while cameramen, ground staff and crew members were treated to his lighter side. He was seen playing with the robotic dog ‘Champak’ during a training session at the Wankhede Stadium.Dhoni, who has led CSK to five IPL titles, had an intense session on Tuesday where he kept wickets and later had a batting stint in the nets.On Wednesday, he first had a short session before taking a break, later returning for nearly an hour to face the bowling specialists and fast bowlers.After the session, Dhoni, who is known to be a dog lover, was seen playing with IPL’s AI-powered robot dog and spent a few moments interacting with it.He tried to get the robot to mimic his gestures, although there were times when he couldn’t respond.So far, CSK have won only two of their six IPL 2026 matches, including a 10-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and are currently eighth in the points table.Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Dhoni is likely to feature in the clash against Mumbai Indians.Ashwin said on his YouTube channel that Dhoni’s presence in training suggests that he could take up the wicket duties, possibly replacing Sanju Samson, or being used as an Impact Player.Ashwin expressed confidence that Dhoni is fit and ready, adding that his experience and finishing skills could be vital for CSK, especially after their struggles in closing out matches.He emphasized that Dhoni’s powerful stroke in death situations makes him a key asset in tough situations.Dhoni had his first wicket session of IPL 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday. The 44-year-old has been sidelined for CSK’s first six matches as he recovers from a calf strain.“I have never seen MS Dhoni keep wickets in the nets. That means he will keep in place of (Sanju) Samson. Or he could be used as an Impact player. I am 100% sure he will play (against Mumbai Indians). I heard he is fit and good to go,” Ashwin Ki said on his YouTube channel.“You see against SRH, CSK were found lacking in finishing the game. So if you need 15 off 5 deliveries, Dhoni can do it. He can hit sixes till the end,” added Ashwin.
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