Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had hoped for their mercurial MS Dhoni to play his first game for them in the IPL 2026, especially since this was them facing their rivals, the Mumbai Indians (MI), on April 23 in Mumbai.

However, the franchise and CSK fans were disappointed as Dhoni missed his 7th straight game of the season. Notably, he had suffered a calf strain just before the IPL 2026 began, and since then,n he has been rehabbing and recovering from the injury.

The ex-CSK captain MS Dhoni has returned to practice, with CSK sharing clips of him batting in the nets and even keeping wickets. However, he is still not "100 percent" fit and missed CSK's record victory over rivals Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday night.

According to CSK batting coach Michael Hussey, Dhoni is recuperating well but would not return until he is "100 percent" secure in his ability to compete at his peak. The former Australia international went on to say that the wicketkeeper-batter's ability to run hard between the wickets is the most important consideration.

“He’s (Dhoni) progressing really well. I know he’s pushing hard to return as soon as possible, and the fans are eager to see MS Dhoni back on the field. We’re hopeful it could be in the next few games, but he needs to be close to 100 per cent to give his best. He’s been batting well in the nets and looks in good touch; now it’s also about being able to run hard between the wickets," Hussey told the broadcaster during a mid-match interview.

In Dhoni's absence, Sanju Samson, who was acquired from the Rajasthan Royals last year, has taken over as wicketkeeper-batsman. Samson has impressed both behind the stumps and with the bat, but he may have to abandon wicketkeeping duties if Dhoni returns.

“I’m quite sure he’ll (Dhoni) be back behind the stumps. The main concern is the calf injury; it’s about the running, especially late in the innings when he may need to push hard for ones and twos. He just needs to ensure the calf is strong enough to handle that workload. From a skill perspective, we know exactly what MS Dhoni can do as a wicketkeeper, and he’s batting really well. It’s now about regaining full confidence in that calf,” Hussey added.

Sanju Samson hit his second century of the IPL 2026, as CSK defeated MI by 103 runs in Mumbai. 

(PTI inputs)