MS Dhoni's Potential Comeback Sparks Hope for Chennai Super Kings

The Chennai Super Kings are grappling with a tough start in IPL 2026, having won only two of their six matches, largely due to the absence of MS Dhoni. The former captain has been sidelined with a calf injury, but recent updates from batting coach Michael Hussey suggest that Dhoni is making progress in his recovery. As speculation grows about his potential return for the upcoming match against the Mumbai Indians, fans remain hopeful for his swift comeback. Hussey emphasizes Dhoni's focus on improving his running speed and fitness, crucial for his performance in the latter stages of the innings. Will Dhoni make it back in time to turn the season around for CSK? Read on to find out more.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 22, 2026, 00:21 IST

Chennai Super Kings Struggle Without Dhoni

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have faced challenges in the IPL 2026 season, securing only two victories out of six matches. A significant factor in their struggles has been the absence of former captain MS Dhoni, who has missed the initial weeks due to a calf injury. Although he traveled with the team to Hyderabad, he was not present at the stadium. Recently, CSK shared a video showcasing Dhoni's wicketkeeping skills, igniting speculation about his readiness for the upcoming match against the Mumbai Indians on Thursday.

Michael Hussey, the batting coach for CSK, expressed optimism on Sunday regarding Dhoni's potential return to the field during this IPL season. The legendary cricketer has yet to make an appearance in the tournament due to his ongoing recovery from a calf issue. While it remains uncertain when he will rejoin the team, he has been actively participating in net sessions.

During a post-match press conference following CSK's narrow 10-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, Hussey noted that Dhoni is making significant progress in his rehabilitation. He expressed satisfaction with Dhoni's batting performance, stating, "He's progressing nicely with his rehab. And look, I'm a batting coach, and I'm happy with how he's batting." Hussey highlighted that Dhoni is focused on improving his speed and running fitness, particularly for quick runs in the latter stages of an innings.

Hussey conveyed his hope for Dhoni's swift return, although he could not provide a specific timeline. "As you saw yesterday at training, he's batting well. He was very happy with where his batting is at. He's just about progressing with his running, because if he's going to bat towards the back end of the innings, he's going to have to scurry back for those twos and things like that. He just needs to get confidence in his running and build that speed up. I don't know when he'll play, but I'm hoping it's sooner rather than later, like all the fans are," he added.