Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans have something to cheer about in the running IPL 2026 as their charismatic former captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, is gradually regaining his fitness and his return date has been announced. Dhoni is expected to return to action against the Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 23rd at the Wankhede Stadium.
CSK are placed eighth on points table
Before the start of the 2026 season, Dhoni was out for two weeks due to a calf strain. In his absence, CSK lost their first three matches, but have since won two consecutive matches at home. CSK will look to keep the momentum intact as they face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their next clash in IPL 2026. Although he did not travel with the team to Guwahati and Bengaluru, he was recently seen boarding the team bus, with the franchise confirming his travel to Hyderabad.
According to reports in the media, Dhoni is close to full fitness and could return to the team at Wankhede. CSK currently sit eighth on the points table and, under the leadership of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, have two wins from five matches. Gaikwad’s team will be looking to complete a hat-trick of victories against Hyderabad.
Dhoni last played for CSK on April 20, 2025, against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, scoring 4 runs off six balls. In his absence this season, Sanju Samson has filled in as wicketkeeper-batsman for CSK. Once Dhoni returns, it is expected that Samson will play as a specialist batsman, with Dhoni resuming wicketkeeping duties.
Khaleel Ahmed ruled out of IPL 2026
Alongside the good news regarding MS Dhoni’s return, the bad news for Chennai is that Khaleel Ahmed has been ruled out of this year’s tournament due to a thigh muscle injury. Khaleel has featured in all five matches played by CSK this season. He complained of pain in his right thigh muscle during the match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), played on April 14.
Spencer Johnson, the replacement for Nathan Ellis, has not yet been able to join the team. Had he been available, he would have been the first choice to start for CSK in place of Khaleel. Spencer is expected to arrive in India and join the squad between April 21 and 23. If Spencer joins, CSK will have a full quota of eight overseas players.
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