MS Dhoni is likely to play his first match of the IPL 2026 season for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on April 23, The Indian Express reported.
According to the report, the 44-year-old is nearing full fitness following a calf strain sustained in the pre-season camp.
Dhoni has already missed CSK’s initial five matches, and there is no confirmation if he will travel with the team to Hyderabad for the next clash against SRH on April 18.
The report suggests that Dhoni has been actively participating in practice sessions and has shown no discomfort when facing throwdowns.
On the eve of their last fixture against KKR at Chepauk, the veteran campaigner had a stint with batting coach Mike Hussey, without facing frontline bowlers or doing wicketkeeping.
Having started the season with three straight defeats, CSK have bounced back in their last two outings, registering handsome wins against DC and KKR. Dhoni’s return will certainly boost their batting lineup in the death overs.
Meanwhile, veteran Mumbai Indians (MI) opener Rohit Sharma is currently being assessed by medical staff for a hamstring injury, casting doubt on his availability for Thursday's (April 16) match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Wankhede Stadium.
Rohit sustained the injury while playing against RCB on April 12, forcing him to retire hurt in the sixth over of the chase, after scoring 19 off 13 balls.
“The medical staff is assessing him. An official update will be given when available,” The Indian Express quoted a team official as saying.
After skipping the training session on Tuesday, Rohit batted in the nets and went through a light fitness drill on Wednesday evening. While these activities suggest progress in his recovery, there is no certainty on his participation for the PBKS encounter.
MI have had an underwhelming start to the season, currently holding ninth spot on the 10-team points table, making Rohit’s fitness crucial.
Mumbai’s batting lineup has struggled so far and Rohit has been their highest scorer with 137 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 165.06.
