As Chennai Super Kings prepare to take on Mumbai Indians at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on April 23, 2026, the biggest question surrounding the clash is simple: Will MS Dhoni return to action?A final decision on Dhoni’s participation will be taken before the toss on the day of the match. Although he is yet to be officially confirmed in the playing XI, there are encouraging signs that suggest his return could be imminent. Dhoni has been training actively at Wankhede, spending around 40 minutes in intense batting and wicket-keeping drills. His presence in the full practice sessions indicates continued growth and has raised hopes in the CSK camp.Fitness update and medical clearanceCSK’s bowling consultant Eric Simmons clarified that Dhoni will play only when both he and the medical staff are fully satisfied with his fitness. The veteran is recovering from a calf strain that ruled him out of the first six games of the season.
“A decision about him (Dhoni) will be taken tomorrow by him and the medical staff, if he is at all ready to go,” Simmons said on the sidelines of the match.Captain Rituraj Gaekwad also confirmed that Dhoni is “slowly and steadily” regaining full fitness, adding that the injury occurred during an intra-squad practice game when Dhoni felt discomfort while running.“We were playing a practice match; that’s when he [MS Dhoni] Took his calf, and then he wasn’t running as comfortably as he wanted and I think after that it was just about watching some of the young guys playing in practice games or in match simulations where he felt pretty confident about them, who are ready and who have the ability to play in the IPL. And, after that, it was just about taking his time in his recovery, and slowly, he’s getting there. Never know, maybe the next game, maybe the one after that, but definitely one day for sure,” Gaekwad said.
Possible role if he plays.
Even if declared fit, Dhoni may not take up the full workload immediately. He is expected to act as an impact player, allowing the team to carefully manage his fitness while still benefiting from his experience and finishing ability. Sanju Samson has been handling the capping duties in his absence, but the team is eager for Dhoni’s return to provide experience to the squad currently sitting eighth in the points table.
