MS Dhoni pushes hard in nets to face Rohit Sharma & MI in IPL 2026

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wicketkeeper MS Dhoni trained intensely at the Wankhede Stadium ahead of their clash against Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2026. The legendary cricketer is expected to retain his place in the playing XI after missing the initial phase of the Indian Premier League season due to a calf strain.

Chennai Super Kings will take on Mumbai Indians in this El Clasico fixture in Mumbai on Thursday, April 23. The Chennai-based franchise is currently in eighth position on the 10-team points table. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and his team have two victories and four defeats heading into this away encounter.

MS Dhoni Pushes Hard In Nets To Face Rohit Sharma & MI In IPL 2026

During a 40-minute training session on Tuesday evening, MS Dhoni resumed wicketkeeping duties behind the stumps. Sarfaraz Khan and Urvil Patel batted while the former captain was keeping. MS Dhoni showed no visible discomfort and even teased Kartik Sharma by mimicking a dismissal.

After the wicketkeeping session, MS Dhoni padded up for an hour-long batting practice. He struck the ball fluently, facing fast bowlers Matt Henry and Jamie Overton, followed by throwdowns, raising hopes of an early return to match action.

With wicketkeeping duties currently handled by Sanju Samson, the management is unlikely to rush his comeback. If cleared, MS Dhoni could be used as an Impact Player to manage his fitness and workload.

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

CSK Hit By Injury Setbacks As Khaleel Ahmed, Ayush Mhatre Ruled Out

Chennai Super Kings are dealing with a major injury setback during IPL 2026. Fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed and young batter Ayush Mhatre have been ruled out, and the team has not yet announced replacements. Mhatre suffered a hamstring injury and will need 6 to 12 weeks to recover.

These issues have affected CSK’s squad balance after a slow start to the season. The injuries to Mhatre and Khaleel have created gaps in both the batting and bowling departments ahead of their clash against the Mumbai Indians.

Australian pacer Spencer Johnson has joined the squad in Mumbai. He was signed as a replacement for Nathan Ellis and trained with the team at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday. Johnson is expected to play soon and is likely to replace Khaleel Ahmed in the playing XI.

Will Jacks Joins the Mumbai Indians After Missing the Initial Matches

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Indians have received a major squad boost with the arrival of England all-rounder Will Jacks. After missing the first six matches for undisclosed reasons, he has now joined the team and trained extensively, bowling off-spin and batting for nearly an hour during recent practice sessions.

Will Jacks recently enjoyed an impressive T20 World Cup campaign for England, winning four Player of the Match awards. His presence could force the management to leave out one of the overseas spinners, either Allah Ghazanfar or Mitchell Santner, to accommodate his all-round abilities.

Mumbai Indians also regained momentum with a dominant 99-run win over Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium. With confidence returning, they will look to capitalize on Chennai Super Kings’ injury concerns and inconsistent form in the upcoming clash.

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