MS Dhoni to play as an impact player?:CSK breaks silence on Thala’s on-field return, says, ‘He’ll be behind the stumps’

After defeating the Mumbai Indians (MI) by 103 runs, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) management breaks the silence on MS Dhoni’s on-field return for IPL 2026 season after recovery from injury. CSK batting coach Michael Hussey has dismissed these rumours. He made it clear that whenever Dhoni returns to the field, he is expected to resume his role as a wicketkeeper, putting an end to the ongoing speculation about any change in his position. Thala has been regularly training with the team ahead of IPL 2026 matches but has still not played a single game this season. Before the clash against Mumbai Indians, the 44-year-old was seen practising wicketkeeping and batting, raising hopes among fans. However, he did not appear for the match at Wankhede Stadium, leaving many supporters disappointed. Dhoni was earlier ruled out for the first two weeks of the tournament due to a calf injury, but nearly a month has now passed without his return. This has led to growing speculation about his role when he finally returns, with some reports suggesting he could play as an impact substitute rather than take up wicketkeeping duties. CSK breaks silence on MS Dhoni’s IPL return After defeating MI by 103 runs in Wankhede’s ‘El Clasico’ clash, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey dismissed the idea that Dhoni would avoid wicketkeeping duties after his return. He said, “I’m pretty sure he’ll be behind the stumps. The biggest thing for him is that calf injury. It’s just the running and late in the innings if he comes in, having to scamper those ones and twos. He just needs to make sure the calf is strong enough to withstand that,” said Hussey during an interview, according to the reports of the Hindustan Times. “But certainly from a skill perspective, we know what he can do as a keeper. We know he’s batting really well, so it’s just hopefully getting that confidence in the calf,” he added. Michael Hussey shared MS Dhoni’s fitness update Hussey also shared a positive update on Dhoni’s recovery and hinted that his return might not be far away. He said, “He’s progressing really well. I know he’s pushing hard to get back as quickly as he possibly can. I know all the fans want to see him, MS Dhoni, out there playing as well. So we’re hopeful, maybe in the next few games, but we want him back as quickly as he possibly can as well,” said Hussey. “But obviously, he needs to be close to 100 per cent ready to give his best because he’s been batting well in the nets, he looks good in the nets. Just need him running hard between the wickets too,” he added further. CSK’s record without MS Dhoni Chennai have a mixed record without their former captain, having won only four games with Thala in the playing XI. Three of those wins came this season itself. The team is currently placed fifth on the points table with six points from seven matches. CSK recently registered a massive 103-run victory over Mumbai Indians, which helped them climb up the standings and boost their confidence. The five-time champions will next face Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.