Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: The big question around MS Dhoni continues to dominate IPL 2026 chatter – when will he return, and will he play today against Sunrisers Hyderabad? Fans are eagerly waiting for a glimpse of the iconic wicketkeeper-batter as Chennai Super Kings prepare to face SRH at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Saturday.Dhoni was recently seen batting in the nets, striking the ball cleanly and even clearing the ropes with ease. CSK shared a video on Instagram showing him in good touch, which only increased excitement among fans.Will Dhoni play today?The answer, for now, is no. Dhoni, who has been recovering from a calf strain, is not expected to feature against SRH. Although the initial two-week recovery period has ended, the team is taking a cautious approach.However, his return may not be far away. Sources to TOI indicate that his rehab is progressing well, and he could be back either for the clash against Mumbai Indians on April 23 at the Wankhede Stadium or the game against Gujarat Titans on April 26 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.Dhoni had picked up the injury during a practice session just before the IPL, which ruled him out of the opening weeks. “He is still doing his rehab and we don’t want to take any chances with his fitness,” CSK sources said.
In terms of numbers, Dhoni remains one of the league’s most consistent performers. Across 278 IPL matches, he has scored 5,439 runs in 242 innings at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45, including 24 fifties and a highest score of 84*. He is currently the sixth-highest run-scorer in IPL history.Last season, despite CSK finishing at the bottom, Dhoni managed 196 runs from 13 innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate above 135. He was retained by CSK as an uncapped player for ?4 crore ahead of IPL 2025, and the same contract continues for IPL 2026.Coming into this match, CSK will look to extend their winning run to three games, while SRH aim to make the most of home advantage, having won two of their five matches so far.
