CSK Says Dhoni Will Return Only as Wicketkeeper When Fully Fit
Batting coach Michael Hussey says selection hinges on his calf being strong enough.
Overview
- Michael Hussey said Friday that MS Dhoni will take the gloves on his return rather than play as an Impact Player, a rule that allows a mid‑match batting-only substitute.
- Dhoni, 44, has missed seven straight IPL 2026 matches with a calf strain that first sidelined him on March 28.
- He completed his first wicketkeeping drills of the season before the Mumbai Indians game at Wankhede but was not selected for the match.
- Hussey described steady progress yet stressed Dhoni must be close to 100% because wicketkeeping and late-innings sprints place heavy load on the calf.
- CSK are assessing him ahead of Sunday’s home game against Gujarat Titans in Chennai, with availability dependent on medical clearance.