MS Dhoni's return has been the biggest talking point around Chennai Super Kings this IPL season. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter has not played a single match so far in IPL 2026 due to a calf strain, but with CSK heading to Mumbai for their April 23 clash against Mumbai Indians, fans are daring to hope MS Dhoni could finally make his appearance.
Michael Hussey confirmed that Dhoni is working on his running and building up his fitness in Mumbai. Hussey said he is hopeful the return comes sooner rather than later, though he stopped short of confirming a date. Dhoni needs to feel confident in his running between the wickets before he can take the field, given that his role at the back end of the innings demands quick singles and twos under pressure.
Will MS Dhoni Play vs Mumbai Indians?
The Wankhede Stadium holds some fond memories for Dhoni. In 29 matches at this ground, he has scored 416 runs at an average of 26. Against Mumbai Indians specifically, he has a strong record across his career, with 772 runs in 38 innings at an average of 35.09 and a strike rate of 130.62. The last time he played at Wankhede, he took apart Hardik Pandya for 16 runs in a single over, which is the kind of moment CSK fans never forget.
Despite all of this, Dhoni is unlikely to feature in the playing XI against Mumbai Indians on April 23. CSK will not rush him back if there is any risk of making the injury worse.
However, if he passes his fitness test and the management feels confident, CSK could bring him in as an impact substitute during the match. That would allow him to bat in the death overs without the strain of fielding for the full innings.
For now, fans will have to wait and watch. A Dhoni return at Wankhede would be a perfect story, but CSK will put his fitness first.
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