The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has reached its halfway stage, and the Chennai Super Kings are eagerly awaiting MS Dhoni’s return. The franchise’s most expensive uncapped player is yet to feature
this season due to a knee injury. Though he has been travelling with the squad, Dhoni hasn’t taken the field so far but is expected to make his comeback for the El Clasico of the IPL — the fixture against the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede on April 23.
Amid the anticipation, CSK shared a training video from Wankhede where Dhoni was seen behind the stumps, even playfully teasing young batter Kartik Sharma. After Sharma missed a shot, Dhoni collected the ball and jokingly gestured to him to walk off, mimicking a dismissal.
Rule No. 1: Don’t step out when Thala’s behind the stumps
Rule No. 2: Read Rule No. 1 again 😂💪#WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/mPYUIb3yuW— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 21, 2026
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.
Ayush Mhatre Ruled Out
Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026 with a left hamstring injury, dealing a major blow to the Chennai Super Kings. The 18-year-old sustained the injury against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18 and will need 6–12 weeks of rehabilitation.
He was visibly in pain while attempting a run and was dismissed soon after. CSK batting coach Mike Hussey termed it a “big loss”, especially with Mhatre in fine form, scoring 201 runs in six matches at a strike-rate of 177.87. CSK have struggled, losing four of six games.
