Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: The big question dominating the build-up to Chennai Super Kings’ high-voltage clash against Mumbai Indians is simple — will MS Dhoni finally play in IPL 2026?CSK batting coach Michael Hussey has offered an encouraging update, revealing that the former skipper is making steady progress in his recovery from a calf injury that has kept him out for the past three weeks.“Hopefully he’ll be back as soon as possible. I don’t know if it’s tomorrow or it’s maybe the next match after that, but he’s progressing really well,” Hussey said on the eve of the clash at Chepauk.Recovery on track, but final call with DhoniHussey emphasised that while Dhoni’s skills remain intact, the focus has been on regaining full running fitness — especially crucial in the final overs of an innings.“I know he’s been upping his running speeds and that was probably the sticking point. I think we’re very confident from a skill perspective with his batting and his wicketkeeping,” Hussey explained.“But it was just making sure that he could maintain good running power, particularly towards the back end of an inning where he’s going to have to scan for those ones and twos. So as soon as he’s got the confidence in his calf, then I’m sure he’ll give it the tick to ready to go.”The decision, however, ultimately rests with Dhoni himself. “Once he feels confident in his calf, I’m sure he’ll give the signal that he’s ready to go. At the moment, we’re guided by him. We’re waiting. I think all of Chennai is waiting,” Hussey added.Staying away to avoid distractionsInterestingly, Dhoni has not been present in the dugout during matches — a deliberate choice to keep the spotlight away from the team.“He’s such a team-orientated guy, MS Dhoni. He always wants what’s best for the team and he was worried that if he came, there’d be a bit too much of a distraction,” Hussey revealed.“Obviously, the cameras would be on him a lot. The crowd would be cheering for him… he really wanted the team to just be able to go about their job.”Despite his absence on match days, Dhoni remains actively involved behind the scenes. “He’s been watching very closely back home. He’s at training all the time… a bubbly personality and offers a lot of his experience,” Hussey said.
