MS Dhoni injury update: CSK coach reveals comeback date after legend misses MI clash

In match no.33 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, the Mumbai Indians (MI) hosted the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Wankhede Stadium. CSK was yet again without their former captain, MS Dhoni, in the side. As Dhoni has not recovered from the calf strain he sustained during the pre-season, he has now missed 7 matches in a row.

During the match, CSK’s batting coach was on the mic with Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar questioning about the return date of MS Dhoni and the role the former CSK skipper will be taking once he becomes available in the side.

MS Dhoni will return in the next game- Mike Hussey

Mike Hussey said, "We are hopeful that MS Dhoni will return in the next game, and we want him back as soon as possible. He wasn’t 100% today, but he was batting well in the nets and running between the wickets, so hopefully he’ll be back next match. When MS Dhoni comes he will behind the stumps,not as an impact player."

MS Dhoni was seen during the practice sessions last night and did wicket-keeping inside the nets as well. He was reported to be fit for the game; however, Dhoni was not named in the team. Surprisingly, MS Dhoni has also not been seen in the dugout or in the stadium as well.

Dhoni was seen playing with Champak

Dhoni, who has led CSK to five IPL victories, had an intensive training session on Tuesday, keeping wickets and then batting in the nets. On Wednesday, he had a quick session before taking a break, then returned for over an hour to face throwdown specialists and fast bowlers.

Following the session, Dhoni, a dog enthusiast, was seen playing with the AI-powered IPL robotic dog, communicating with it briefly. He tried to get the robot to mirror his gestures, but it couldn't always respond.

Never seen Dhoni keeping in the nets- Ravi Ashwin

Ahead of the MI vs CSK clash, former CSK spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dropped his verdict on Dhoni's injury and confirmed that the latter was declared fit for return and is expected to replace Sanju Samson.

"I've never seen Dhoni keeping in the nets before-never in my life. Today he was keeping, which means he is going to take the wicket-keeping gloves, and Sanju would have to take an outfield role or might come in as an impact player. And I'm 100% sure that he will play tomorrow (day after). I've heard that he is fit and good to go," said Ashwin in a video on his YouTube channel.

Coming to the match, CSK have been invited to bat first, and despite the four wickets, Sanju Samson has been playing a brilliant knock and sticking one end. Samson has been unbeaten on the score of 59 runs, and he has a big role to play with no specialist batter if he gets out.

Also Read: Ravi Shastri goes blank, forgets CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s name at toss in IPL 2026