MS Dhoni update: CSK coach confirms fitness status and batting position in IPL 2026

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has now 4 defeats in 6 matches. With only 2 wins, they are at the bottom half of the IPL 2026 points table. Amid the struggling period of the team, CSK fans are looking for someone who can rescue the team from the slump.

The CSK fans are waiting eagerly to see the icon, MS Dhoni, back on the track as soon as possible. Ahead of the season, the former skipper injured himself, and his date for making a comeback is yet to be confirmed.

Mike Hussey provided updates on MS Dhoni's fitness

After last night's defeat against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, CSK batting coach Mike Hussey provided some crucial updates on the 44-year-old keeper-batter. Hussey confirmed that Dhoni is still going through the recovery process.

“He’s just progressing with his running, because obviously he’s going to bat towards the back-end of the innings, he’s going to scurry off to those twos and things like that. So he just needs to get confidence in his running and build that speed up. Look, I don’t know when he’s going to play, but I am hoping it’s sooner rather than later. Like all the fans are (hoping),” Mike Hussey said on MS Dhoni’s fitness status.

Ahead of the IPL 2026 opener, the Chennai Super Kings management informed that Dhoni would not be available for multiple matches of IPL 2026 due to an injury he sustained during a practice session.

“MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of the TATA IPL 2026. Get well soon, Thala!” the franchise announced on the morning of March 28.

The CSK batting coach hinted about Dhoni's batting position as well

In the initial stage, it was reported that he could remain out of the action for about a couple of weeks. But, as he is yet to play his first match in the ongoing season, the rehabilitation period is likely to consume more time.

From Hussey’s comments, it is clear that whenever Dhoni declares fit to play, he will bat deep in the batting order, which he did in the previous couple of seasons as well. As he will have to bat in the lower order, Dhoni’s priority will be to keep the run rate moving.

A fresh injury scare for the franchise

In a separate instance, Super Kings suffered another injury scare, this time, in the form of their rising star Ayush Mhatre. The top-order batter injured his hamstring during their previous match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. His injury can be a major blow for the team. Hussey informed the reporters that they are waiting for the medical reports before confirming anything on Mhatre’s current fitness status.

“Ayush Mhatre has a hamstring tear, I don't know how bad it is - we will have a scan, but it looks really bad, unfortunately, could be a big loss,” the CSK batting coach said in the post-match press conference.

Chennai’s next match will be on April 23, against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium.

Read More: Ayush Mhatre ruled out of IPL 2026! CSK coach provides official update