Michael Hussey, the batting coach for the Chennai Super Kings, stated on Thursday that MS Dhoni will resume his role as a wicketkeeper and not only an impact player after he recovers from his calf injury.
As he continues to heal from the injury that first kept him out of action for two weeks on March 28, the 44-year-old missed his seventh consecutive IPL 2026 match on Thursday at the Wankhede Stadium against the Mumbai Indians.
Given that Sanju Samson and Kartik Sharma are available as wicketkeepers, there had been conjecture that Dhoni may use the Impact Player rule to return as a specialist batter.
Hussey, however, ruled out that scenario, suggesting Dhoni will return to his customary position behind the stumps.
“Oh, I’m pretty sure he’ll be behind the stumps. The biggest thing for him is that he’s had the calf injury, it’s just the running and late in 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,” PTI quoted Hussey telling the broadcaster during a mid-match interview.
“But certainly from a skill perspective, we know what he can do as a keeper. We know he’s batting, he’s batting really well, so it’s just hopefully getting that confidence in the calf,” Hussey said.
Dhoni’s absence has continued to be a topic of conversation during CSK games.
Prior to their match against the Mumbai Indians, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad recognized the void at the toss by stating, “all thanks to the legend (Dhoni) who is not here unfortunately” in reference to the reaction from the crowd.
Despite missing more games than anticipated, Dhoni showed some signs of improvement by keeping wickets in the nets on the eve of the game. This was his first time doing so this season, but he was once more left out of the starting lineup, having already missed half of CSK’s games.
Hussey provided an update on Dhoni, stating that while he is getting better, he is not yet match-ready.
“Yeah, 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 MS Dhoni out there playing as well. So we’re hopeful maybe in the next few games. We want him back as quickly as he possibly can as well,” Hussey added.
“But obviously he needs to be close to 100 per cent ready to give his best. Because he’s been batting well on the nets. He looks good in the nets. Just needs to run hard between the wickets too,” he added.
CSK next face Gujarat Titans in Chennai on Sunday.
