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Chennai Super Kings are in a spot of bother with four losses in their first six matches, sitting outisde the playoff zone.
With the five-time champions heavily relying on Sanju Samson behind the stumps and desperately missing their ultimate finisher in the death overs, MS Dhoni has been massively missed this season.
Dhoni has been actively rehabilitating a calf muscle strain that has kept him confined to the dugout for the early stages of the IPL 2026 season.
When will MS Dhoni Play for CSK?
While rumours of an imminent return, potentially as an Impact Player against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, have been swirling, CSK batting coach Mike Hussey has finally stepped up to provide a much-needed reality check on Thala's physical progress.
Shedding light on the meticulous preparation happening
behind closed doors, Hussey offered a candid assessment of Dhoni's current fitness levels.
"He's just progressing with his running, because obviously he's going to bat towards the back-end of the innings, he's going to scurry off to those twos and things like that. "
This targeted training approach confirms that CSK's strategy for the 44-year-old veteran remains unchanged: maximum impact in minimum deliveries. Rushing him back before his legs can handle that explosive burst would be a massive tactical risk.
Addressing the ultimate question of his exact return date, Hussey maintained the franchise's cautious stance but offered a glimmer of hope for the Yellow Army.
"So he just needs to get confidence in his running and build that speed up. Look, I don't know when he's going to play, but I am hoping it's sooner rather than later. Like all the fans are (hoping)".
MS Dhoni to return in IPL 2026?
While the medical team has officially ruled him out of high-intensity, full-match wicket-keeping duties for now, this rigorous sprint training perfectly aligns with the explosive Impact Player strategy. But MS Dhoni's return date is not in sight for now.
There were rumours for a return this week but for now, the veteran remains out of action. CSK play next on Thursday against Mumbai Indians, and for now, that may be too early for him. It is likely that Dhoni will return on April 26, when CSK play the Gujarat Titans.
