MS Dhoni injury update: Michael Hussey says he will return as CSK wicketkeeper, not Impact Player

Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey says MS Dhoni will resume wicketkeeping duties when he returns from a calf strain in IPL 2026. Dhoni has missed seven matches, prompting Impact Player speculation, but Hussey said the key issue is ensuring Dhoni’s running is strong enough late in an innings.

Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey said MS Dhoni will return as wicketkeeper when the calf strain heals. Hussey ruled out a comeback only as an impact player. Dhoni missed the IPL 2026 match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. The 44-year-old has now been absent for seven straight games.

Dhoni has been out since March 28, when the injury first ruled Dhoni out for two weeks. The absence has continued for longer than expected. Dhoni has now missed half of CSK’s matches this season. The ongoing lay-off has stayed a major topic around CSK games.

MS Dhoni return plan for CSK as wicketkeeper

There was talk that Dhoni could return as a specialist batter under the Impact Player rule. That idea gained pace because Sanju Samson and Kartik Sharma are available to keep wickets. Hussey rejected that option during a mid-match interview. Hussey said Dhoni will take the usual position behind the stumps.

"Oh, Im pretty sure hell be behind the stumps. The biggest thing for him is that hes had the calf injury, its just the running and late in innings, if he comes in, having to scamper those ones and twos, he just needs to make sure the calf is strong enough to withstand that,\" Hussey told the broadcaster during a mid-match interview.

\"But certainly from a skill perspective, we know what he can do as a keeper. We know hes batting, hes batting really well, so its just hopefully getting that confidence in the calf,\" Hussey said.

MS Dhoni injury update and match readiness

Hussey said Dhoni is improving, but is not ready for match action yet. Hussey said the key is running hard late in an innings. Hussey added that Dhoni has looked good while batting in training. Dhoni must also trust the calf during quick singles and twos.

\"Yeah, hes progressing really well. I know hes pushing hard to get back as quickly as he possibly can. I know all the fans want to see MS Dhoni out there playing as well. So were hopeful maybe in the next few games. We want him back as quickly as he possibly can as well,\" Hussey added.

\"But obviously he needs to be close to 100 per cent ready to give his best. Because hes been batting well on the nets. He looks good in the nets. Just needs to run hard between the wickets too,\" he added.

Dhoni showed a sign of recovery on the eve of the Mumbai Indians match. Dhoni kept wickets in the nets, which was the first such session this season. Even so, Dhoni was not named in the playing XI. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad also noted the absence at the toss.

At the toss, Gaikwad referred to the crowd response and said, \"all thanks to the legend Dhoni who is not here unfortunately\". CSK now wait for Dhoni to reach full fitness before returning. CSK next face Gujarat Titans in Chennai on Sunday. The timing will depend on how Dhoni’s calf handles running demands.

With inputs from PTI