There was a buzz at the Wankhede Stadium on the evening of 21 April 2026, and CSK fans across the country definitely felt it. MS Dhoni put on the wicketkeeping gloves during a CSK training session, taking up a role he hadn't performed yet in the 2026 IPL season. For a man who had spent weeks watching from the sidelines, this move made it look like his return was finally around the corner.
Dhoni has been out since the first game of the season, missing six matches while recovering from a calf strain. The injury hit at the worst time, sidelineing CSK's biggest star before the tournament even started. The team struggled early on and lacked their usual composure under pressure, leaving many fans feeling that they missed Dhoni’s tactical experience in tight games.
Even while out, Dhoni stayed involved with the squad. CSK assistant coach Sridharan Sriram mentioned that Dhoni had a long talk with young spinner Noor Ahmad, urging him to bowl more leg-breaks. That advice clearly worked, as Noor went on to take three wickets against KKR. He may not have been on the pitch, but his influence was still felt throughout the campaign.
What the Training Session Revealed?
The Wankhede session on Tuesday gave fans more than just a glimpse of the old Dhoni. CSK posted a video showing him behind the stumps in high spirits, even joking with young batter Kartik Sharma after a missed shot by mimicking a dismissal with a grin. That quick, light-hearted moment showed he is both mentally sharp and physically ready.
Along with the stumping drills, Dhoni looked confident in the nets, facing CSK bowlers before moving to throwdowns. Batting coach Mike Hussey confirmed things are looking up, but was realistic about the work left to do. Hussey noted that the main focus now is on making sure Dhoni feels comfortable running between the wickets, especially for those quick sprints needed in the final overs.
The Big Question: Does He Play on 23 April?
According to a report by The Indian Express, citing sources close to the team, Dhoni is expected to return on 23 April when CSK face Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede. That stadium is special for Dhoni; it’s where he hit the famous six off Nuwan Kulasekara to win the 2011 World Cup for India. Coming back there would be a perfect script for his return.
One likely option is for CSK to use Dhoni as an Impact Player. This would let him focus on finishing the innings without the physical strain of keeping wickets for the full 20 overs. Since Sanju Samson has been handling the gloves and recently hit an unbeaten century against Delhi Capitals, the team don't strictly need Dhoni behind the stumps from the start.
So far, CSK haven't made an official announcement. However, the signs are hard to ignore. A 44-year-old doesn’t spend an hour batting in the Mumbai heat and another thirty minutes wicketkeeping unless he thinks he’s ready to play. With CSK currently eighth on the table after two wins and four losses, Dhoni’s return is desperately needed. The IPL’s biggest rivalry is better when its biggest star is involved, and it looks like "Thala" is ready to go.
