MS Dhoni hasn't featured at all for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026 and is currently recovering from a calf injury. He suffered the injury before the season even started and has been on the sidelines since then. According to CSK batting coach Michael Hussey, Dhoni's condition has improved, and he has been increasing his running speed between the wickets during practice.
MS Dhoni hasn't featured in a single game this season due to injury. (PTI)
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According to RevSportz, there is still no update on whether Dhoni will be in action against Mumbai Indians on Saturday at the Chepauk. The report states that the Indian legend hasn't conveyed anything to the CSK management. Dhoni's selection will reportedly be known around 5 pm, when the team actually leaves for the stadium.
Both CSK and MI have been highly inconsistent this season. CSK are currently seventh in the table with three wins and five defeats. Meanwhile, MI are ninth with two victories and six losses. There has been immense pressure on both skippers, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Hardik Pandya.
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Ahead of the MI match, Hussey said, “Hopefully he’ll be back as soon as possible. I don’t know if it’s tomorrow or it’s maybe the next match after that, but he’s progressing really well. I know he’s been upping his running speeds and that was probably the sticking point. I think we’re very confident from a skill perspective with his batting and his wicketkeeping.”
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Ahead of the MI match, Hussey said, “Hopefully he’ll be back as soon as possible. I don’t know if it’s tomorrow or it’s maybe the next match after that, but he’s progressing really well. I know he’s been upping his running speeds and that was probably the sticking point. I think we’re very confident from a skill perspective with his batting and his wicketkeeping.”
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“But it was just making sure that he could maintain good running power, particularly towards the back end of an inning where he’s going to have to scan for those ones and twos. So as soon as he’s got the confidence in his calf, then I’m sure he’ll give it the tick to ready to go,” he added.
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According to Hussey, Dhoni has also been staying away from the ground as he doesn't see the focus shift from the team to him. “He's such a team-oriented guy. He always wants what's best for the team, and he was worried that if he came, there'd be a bit too much of a distraction. Obviously, the cameras would be on him a lot. The crowd would be cheering for him and things like that,” he said.
“And he really wanted the team to just be able to go about their job, do our thing. Whether that's right or wrong, that's not my decision to sort out. But that's the thinking behind Dhoni not wanting to come to the matches.”
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
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Home/Cricket/MS Dhoni keeps CSK waiting, yet to give green signal for MI clash; decision delayed till final hours: Report
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