MS Dhoni set for a comeback? CSK reveals return date of former wicket-keeper batter in IPL 2026

The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, match no.33, will be against the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The two most successful franchises of the IPL will lock horns against each other on the 23rd of April at the Wankhede Stadium. In the El Clasico game of cricket, former CSK captain MS Dhoni might be featuring.

As per the reports from the Indian Express, Dhoni, who has been sidelined since sustaining a calf injury during the pre-season training, is on the verge of returning to full fitness. CSK's next encounter is an away game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, although it is unclear whether Dhoni will travel with the team.

MS Dhoni to play against MI

MS Dhoni has not been travelling with the team during their away matches, and he was not even seen in the dugout in CSK’s last home game against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He has been staying at the hotel and has been seen at practice sessions. When facing throwdowns, he has shown no discomfort.

Last evening, ahead of the last encounter against the KKR, the former CSK skipper trained with batting coach Mike Hussey but did not face any of the frontline bowlers. He also worked with left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad before the KKR match.

MS Dhoni's inclusion will help Ruturaj Gaikwad

Though the reports suggest that MS Dhoni, who has been working hard at the age of 44 to regain his fitness, is set to play the crucial game against the five-time winners, the Mumbai Indians. CSK and MI did not have the best of starts to the IPL 2026; they are currently sitting in 8th and 9th position of the table, respectively.

Once Dhoni comes in, the former India captain can also guide Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has looked brainfaded at times during their losses in this IPL. MS Dhoni has been a brilliant leader for CSK and has also helped the young captains like Virat Kohli during his time with the India National Cricket Team, and now doing the same with Gaikwad.

The question will arise if Dhoni comes in, who is the batter or all-rounder who goes out of the squad? Last season he played as an impact player and the fans are expecting something a similar role this season as well.

Ruturaj Gaikwad needs to find form

CSK, despite a poor start, have now won two matches in a row, defeating Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. However, the captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, has been struggling with form as he has not gotten many runs in this tournament, with a high score of just 28 runs with an average of 12.

Gaikwad has been doing the captaincy well; however, his batting needs to deliver as he is short of runs. The opener has also had a drop in his strike rate this season, trying to play the role of an anchor rather than being aggressive. Once Gaikwad comes into form, CSK will look like a different team in this IPL, but he is running out of time at the moment.

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