Even as the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have lost Ayush Mhatre to hamstring injury, they could still receive a big boost in the form of MS Dhoni as he is in line to return for their IPL 2026 clash against the Mumbai Indians on April 23, Thursday. The legendary keeper-batter was seen brushing up his keeping skills at the Wankhede Stadium, giving a strong hint about his return for the Super Kings.
MS Dhoni’s calf injury forces him to miss first 6 matches of IPL 2026
The former Super Kings captain has been nursing a calf injury that has forced him to miss the start of IPL 2026. Although the 44-year-old had recently resumed batting in the nets earlier, he still needed time to come to match fitness. According to reports, Dhoni batted in the nets for a fairly long period of time as the Super Kings prepare for the El Classico.
In the video shared by the Super Kings, the 44-year-old was seen keeping to a batter, who had stepped out but missed the ball.
Rule No. 1: Don’t step out when Thala’s behind the stumps
Rule No. 2: Read Rule No. 1 again 😂💪#WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/mPYUIb3yuW— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 21, 2026
MI vs CSK, IPL 2026: Where are Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings placed in the points table?
Despite 10 IPL titles between them, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are 7th and 8th position in the points table. The Mumbai Indians began their campaign with a big win over the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium. But they have slumped to four consecutive losses to the Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Punjab Kings (PBKS), making them look completely out of depth. But Hardik Pandya and co. registered an NRR-boosting 99-run win over the Gujarat Titans on April 20, Monday in Ahmedabad to bounce back.
As for the Super Kings, their campaign began with three consecutive losses before pulling off two successive victories over the Delhi Capitals and the Knight Riders. But the defeat to the SunRisers have set them back yet again. With Mumbai returning to winning ways, the Yellow Army face a stiff challenge.
