3 min learnUp to date: Apr 15, 2026 06:41 PM IST
Former Chennai Tremendous Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s first match of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) might be towards the Mumbai Indians on the Wankhede Stadium on April 23. In response to CSK sources, 44-year-old Dhoni, who’s on the sidelines after struggling a calf pressure on the pre-season camp, is now near regaining full health. CSK’s subsequent match is an away fixture towards Sunrisers Hyderabad, however there isn’t a affirmation if Dhoni will journey with the crew.
CSK are eighth out of 10 groups on the factors desk, successful two of their 5 video games. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led crew misplaced three in a row earlier than successful their final two dwelling matches, towards Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Dhoni has been following CSK’s dwelling matches from the crew lodge however has been seen at apply classes. When going through throwdowns, he has proven no discomfort.
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On the eve of their final match towards Kolkata Knight Riders, Dhoni had a stint with batting coach Mike Hussey, however didn’t face any of the frontline bowlers. He additionally hung out with left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad earlier than the KKR match.
“MS (Dhoni) had a protracted chat with him in one of many practise classes, getting his leg break to go. So I believe it was very useful for him and the outcomes have been there to indicate,” CSK’s bowling coach Sridharan Sriram stated.
When going through throwdowns, Dhoni has been in a position to hit the ball with out discomfort.
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Having bounced again to successful methods, the franchise must discover a spot for Dhoni. CSK lack batting depth with their frontline bowlers batting from No.8 onwards. Nevertheless, they’ve their bases coated above that and the one doable spot for Dhoni might be Sarfaraz Khan’s. The Mumbai batsman has been amongst CSK’s brightest spots this season. However in the newest recreation, towards Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday, he struggled to up the run price, making simply 23 runs from 18 deliveries. The opposite possibility is to make Dhoni play as an Impression Participant, which appears the safer possibility as he might be changed with a bowler afterward.