New Delhi: The big question dominating Chennai Super Kings’ high-voltage clash against Mumbai Indians is simple – will MS Dhoni finally play in IPL 2026?CSK batting coach Michael Hussey has offered an encouraging update, revealing that the former skipper is making steady progress in his recovery from the shin injury that has kept him out for the past three weeks.“Hopefully he’ll be back as soon as possible. I don’t know if it’s tomorrow or maybe the next match after that, but he’s progressing really well,” Hussey said ahead of the clash in Chepauk.Recovery on track, but last call with DhoniHussey stressed that while Dhoni’s skills are intact, the focus is on regaining running fitness – especially crucial in the final overs of the innings.“I know he’s increasing his run speed and that was probably the turning point. I think we are very confident from a skill point of view with his batting and his wicketkeeping,” explained Hussey.“But it was just making sure he could maintain good running power, especially toward the back end of an inning where he’s going to have to scan for those two-and-twos. So as soon as he gets that confidence in his calf, I’m sure he’ll tick it to be ready.”However, the decision ultimately rests with Dhoni himself. “Once he feels confident in his calf, I’m sure he’ll signal that he’s ready to go. Right now, we’re guiding him. We’re waiting. I think all of Chennai is waiting,” Hussey added.Stay away to avoid distractionsInterestingly, Dhoni was not present in the dugout during the matches – a deliberate choice to keep the spotlight away from the team.“He is a team-oriented man, MS Dhoni. He always wants what is best for the team and he was worried that if he came, there would be a bit more distraction,” revealed Hussey.“Obviously, the cameras would be on him a lot. The crowd would be cheering for him … He really wanted the team to be able to just do their job.”Despite his absence on match days, Dhoni remains active behind the scenes. “He’s been watching very closely back home. He’s been in training all the time … brings a bubbly personality and a lot of his experience,” Hussey said.
