How close is MS Dhoni from returning to field in IPL 2026? CSK batting coach Michael Hussey shares latest fitness update

The return of MS Dhoni has been a pertinent question whenever Chennai Super Kings (CSK) play in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). On Thursday against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, the question was the same before captain Ruturaj Gaikwad disappointed the fans with his remark of “all thanks to the legend (Dhoni) who is not here unfortunately” when asked about the crowd reception for the team in Mumbai.

Dhoni was initially ruled out for two weeks on March 28, due to a calf strain. Although two weeks have passed a long before, Dhoni wooed his fans by keeping wickets for the first time in 2026 season at the nets on the eve of the game. CSK batting coach Michael Hussey revealed Dhoni is not 100% match fit, thus delaying his return for the five-time champions.

“Yeah, he's progressing really well. I know he's pushing hard to get back as quickly as he possibly can. I know all the fans want to see MS Dhoni out there playing as well. So we're hopeful maybe in the next few games. We want him back as quickly as he possibly can as well,” Hussey told the broadcaster during a mid-match interview when asked about Dhoni's fitness.

“But obviously he needs to be close to 100% ready to give his best. Because he's been batting well on the nets. He looks good in the nets. Just needs to run hard between the wickets too,” added the former Australian opener.

Will MS Dhoni keep wickets on return?

With Sanju Samson and Kartik Sharma in the side as wicketkeepers, there were speculations on whether Dhoni will play a full game or come as an impact sub, thus defining his role as a pure batter.

Putting water to those speculations, Hussey stated that Dhoni will certainly be behind the stumps on return. "Oh, I'm pretty sure he'll be behind the stumps. The biggest thing for him is that he's had the calf injury, it's just the running and late in innings, if he comes in, having to scamper those ones and twos, he just needs to make sure the calf is strong enough to withstand that.

"But certainly from a skill perspective, we know what he can do as a keeper. We know he's batting, he's batting really well, so it's just hopefully getting that confidence in the calf," added Hussey. In the process, Dhoni missed the seventh game for CSK in IPL 2026 due to a calf strain, including the match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.

CSK ride on Sanju Samson magic at Wankhede

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson smashed his fifth IPL century, as his 101 not out powered CSK to 207/6 against Mumbai Indians. The CSK opener and keeper-batter stayed till the end and held the innings together with wickets falling at regular intervals at the other end.

Samson hit 10 fours and six sixes in his 54-ball knock. It was his second century for CSK. For Mumbai Indians, Allah Ghazanfar and Ashwani Kumar took two wickets each, while Jasprit Bumrah (1/31) was tidy.

Catch the live updates from IPL 2026 with the complete IPL 2026 Schedule and the IPL 2026 Points Table. Also, know who are currently leading the charts in IPL 2026 Orange Cap and IPL 2026 Purple Cap.