Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have now lost 4 in 6 matches. With only 2 wins, they are at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table. Amidst the team’s struggling phase, CSK fans are looking for someone who can lift the team out of the slump.
CSK fans are eagerly waiting to see icon MS Dhoni back on track as soon as possible. Ahead of the season, the former captain got injured, and his return date has not been confirmed yet.
Mike Hussey gives update on MS Dhoni’s fitness
After last night’s defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad, CSK batting coach Mike Hussey provided some important updates on the 44-year-old keeper-batsman. Hussey confirmed that Dhoni is still going through the recovery process.
“He is just getting on with his running, because obviously he is going to bat at the end of the innings, he is going fast for those two and things like that. So he just needs to get confidence in his running and increase that pace. Look, I don’t know when he is going to play, but I hope it is sooner rather than later. As all the fans are (expecting),” Mike Hussey said on MS Dhoni’s fitness status.
Ahead of the opening of IPL 2026, Chennai Super Kings management informed that Dhoni will not be available for several matches of IPL 2026 due to the injury he sustained during the practice session.
“MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation due to 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 was announced on the morning of 28 March.
CSK batting coach also hints about Dhoni’s batting position
Initially there was news that he may remain out of action for about a week or two. But, since he is yet to play his first match in the current season, the rehabilitation period is likely to take longer.
It is clear from Hussey’s comments that whenever Dhoni is declared fit to play, he will bat deep in the order, as he has done in the last few seasons as well. Since he will have to bat lower down the order, Dhoni’s priority will be to keep the run rate going.
A fresh injury scare for the franchise
In a separate instance, Super Kings suffered another injury, this time to their rising star Ayush Mhatre. The top-order batsman suffered a hamstring injury during his last match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. His injury can be a big blow for the team. Hussey told reporters that they are waiting for the medical report before confirming anything on Mhatre’s current fitness status.
“Ayush Mhatre has a hamstring injury, I don’t know how bad it is – we will get the scans done, but it looks really bad, unfortunately, could be a big loss,” CSK’s batting coach said in the post-match press conference.
Chennai’s next match will be against Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 23 at the Wankhede Stadium.
Read more: Ayush Mhatre out of IPL 2026! CSK coach provides official update
