Dhoni's calf injury healing well, CSK return imminent says Hussey ahead of MI clash
Synopsis
MS Dhoni's comeback clock is ticking. The 42-year-old former CSK captain has spent three weeks nursing a calf strain, but his running fitness is now the focus. Hussey's hint—'tomorrow or the next match after that'—signals imminent return, and all of Chennai is holding its breath. His absence from the dugout is tactical, not medical: Dhoni fears his presence would overshadow the team's own momentum.
Key Takeaways
MS Dhoni , 42 , has been sidelined for three weeks due to a calf injury sustained before IPL 2026 .
CSK batting coach Michael Hussey confirmed recovery is progressing well, with return expected within one or two matches.
Dhoni's recovery has focused on rebuilding running speed and confidence between the wickets.
The former skipper is staying away from match days to avoid distracting the team, though he attends training regularly.
CSK face Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday, May 3.
MS Dhoni, the 42-year-old former Chennai Super Kings skipper, is progressing steadily in his recovery from a calf strain and could return to action within the next one or two matches, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey said on May 1 ahead of the team's encounter against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Dhoni has been out for three weeks after sustaining the injury before the IPL 2026 season began.
Recovery focus on running fitness
The recovery process has prioritised rebuilding Dhoni's running speed and confidence between the wickets—a critical element of his late-innings acceleration. "He's been upping his running speeds and that was probably the sticking point," Hussey explained during the pre-match press conference. "We're very confident from a skill perspective with his batting and his wicketkeeping. 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."
Dhoni holds the final call
Hussey stressed that the decision to return rests entirely with Dhoni. "Once he feels confident in his calf, I'm sure he'll give the signal that he's ready to go. At the moment, we're guided by him. We're waiting. I think all of Chennai is waiting," the batting coach said, underscoring the weight of anticipation surrounding the veteran wicketkeeper's comeback.
Why Dhoni is staying away from matches
Notably, Dhoni has not attended CSK's recent matches despite his presence at training sessions. The decision is deliberate: he fears his presence in the dugout would distract the team and draw excessive media and crowd attention. "He's such a team-orientated guy, MS Dhoni," Hussey said. "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."
Wisdom from the sidelines
While Dhoni has chosen to skip match days, his influence at training remains substantial. "I personally love having him around the dressing room. He offers so much wisdom and confidence to the rest of the guys," Hussey noted. "He's obviously at training all the time and always a bubbly personality around training and offers a lot of his experience to the players there." IPL regulations allow only 18-20 players in the dressing room on match days, a constraint some franchises use to manage squad presence.
What's next for CSK
With Mumbai Indians visiting the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday, CSK will look to maintain momentum in Dhoni's absence. His return, even if delayed by one or two matches, is expected to provide a significant boost to the franchise's middle-order stability and finishing prowess in the latter half of the season.
Point of View
And the psychological weight of his celebrity. At 42, even a calf strain demands respect; the three-week layoff is not unusual. But his decision to stay away from matches—framed as selfless—also signals a franchise learning to function without its gravitational centre. If CSK stabilises without him, the myth of Dhoni-as-indispensable weakens. Conversely, his return will be framed as the cavalry arriving. Either way, the narrative is no longer about cricket alone.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has MS Dhoni been sidelined from IPL 2026?
MS Dhoni has been out for three weeks due to a calf injury sustained before the IPL 2026 season began. The injury has required focused rehabilitation, particularly on rebuilding his running fitness between the wickets.
When will MS Dhoni return to play for CSK?
CSK batting coach Michael Hussey indicated that Dhoni could return within one or two matches, depending on his confidence in his calf. The final decision rests with Dhoni himself. No exact date has been confirmed.
Why is Dhoni not attending CSK's matches despite being at training?
Dhoni has chosen to stay away from match days to avoid distracting the team. He fears his presence would draw excessive media attention and crowd focus, potentially shifting focus away from the team's performance. IPL rules allow only 18-20 players in the dressing room on match days.
What has been the focus of Dhoni's recovery?
The recovery has prioritised rebuilding Dhoni's running speed and confidence, particularly for accelerating between the wickets during the back end of innings. Hussey confirmed that Dhoni's batting and wicketkeeping skills remain intact.
What is the significance of Dhoni's return for CSK?
Dhoni's return would provide a significant boost to CSK's middle-order stability and finishing prowess, especially in the latter stages of innings. His experience and leadership, even from the batting crease, are considered crucial to the franchise's title prospects.
