MS Dhoni Injury Latest: CSK Legend Set To Return To Playing 11 Next Week

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)’s campaign is set to receive a big boost as legendary former skipperMS Dhoni‘s return appears imminent. According to a report in The Times of India, CSK are hopeful of having him back in the playing 11 sometime next week.

The report cited CSK sources as saying that his recovery from injury is progressing steadily, putting him in contention for either the April 23 clash against arch rivals Mumbai Indians in Mumbai or the April 26 fixture against the Gujarat Titans at home, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The former India captain has been sidelined since sustaining a calf injury during a training session in the lead-up to the IPL, an issue that ruled him out of the opening phase of the tournament. He has been spotted

in training multiple times since, putting up batting sessions in the nets.

CSK are set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad this weekend, but the report said the management does not want to rush his comeback, preferring to ensure he regains full fitness before returning to match action.

With wicketkeeping duties currently being shared between Sanju Samson and Karthik Sharma, the team would likely ease Dhoni back into the XI as an Impact Player.

Who would Dhoni replace?

Dhoni would be keen to be back in the team, and CSK fans would be eager to see him too. But who he would replace is a question that Stephen Fleming and Ruturaj Gaikwad might find difficult to answer.

It was an easier question a week ago when CSK were struggling and reeling at the bottom of the points table, but the franchise has now collected back-to-back wins against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC), with the batting and bowling units finally clicking together.

The only batter who hasn’t done well this year is Gaikwad, who is the captain. In the finishing department, Dhoni’s comfort spot, Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube have clicked well together.

CSK would need to decide whether a 44-year-old Dhoni is good enough to come in and improve the team at this moment.