MS Dhoni [Source: AFP]In a significant development, the Chennai Super Kings have issued a fresh update on MS Dhoni ahead of the mega clash against arch rivals Mumbai Indians. Led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK will take on MI in a high-voltage encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on May 2, Saturday. Notably, MS Dhoni has missed all matches for the Super Kings so far. He sustained a calf injury during one of CSK's pre-tournament camps, resulting in a long lay-off from the IPL 2026. As the Super Kings gear up for the must-win affair against MI, their batting coach Michael Hussey has issued a fresh update on the Indian legend's IPL comeback. Michael Hussey provides an update on MS DhoniFormer Australian cricketer and current Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey released an update on Dhoni ahead of the highly anticipated encounter against Mumbai Indians. The talismanic cricketer reckoned that Dhoni is steadily recovering from the calf injury and will likely make his IPL comeback soon. Also Read: MS Dhoni To Return? CSK Strongest XI vs MI- IPL 2026, Match 44However, the CSK batting coach couldn't provide an exact timeline for the former captain's return to their playing XI. "Hopefully he'll be back as soon as possible. I don't know if it's tomorrow or maybe the next match after that but he's progressing really well. I know he's been upping his running speeds and that was probably the sticking point," Hussey said ahead of CSK vs MI clash. The former cricketer also revealed that the Super Kings management is assessing Dhoni's running power to take a final call on his availability for the remaining matches. "I think we're very confident from a skill perspective with his batting and his wicket-keeping. But it was just making sure that he could maintain good running power, particularly towards the back end of an innings where he's going to have to scamper 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. And so we're kind of guided by him at the moment. But we're waiting. I think all of Chennai's waiting. All the fans are waiting and hoping. We're just waiting for him to sort of say, 'yep, okay, I'm confident in my leg now," Hussey added. Fitness setback could end MS Dhoni's IPL career, report claimsWhile CSK batting coach Michael Hussey remains optimistic about MS Dhoni's IPL return, a report recently claimed that the calf injury may lead to the legendary cricketer's retirement. Dhoni has been persistently struggling with fitness issues, including knee and calf problems, and it won't be surprising if the former skipper bids adieu to the IPL after the ongoing season. Who has replaced MS Dhoni in CSK playing XI?In the absence of MS Dhoni, Sanju Samson has been performing the wicketkeeping duties for the Super Kings. Urvil Patel was also included as a specialist batter in the CSK playing XI against Gujarat Titans and is expected to retain his spot in the high-octane MI encounter. Also Read: Why Is David Miller Not Playing Today’s IPL Match Against Rajasthan Royals?
