Is MS Dhoni Fit to Play? Latest Practice Update Before MI vs CSK Match

MS Dhoni was seen batting again in the nets at Wankhede Stadium before Chennai Super Kings play against Mumbai Indians. This is a big positive update for CSK after many weeks. After missing six matches due to a calf injury, Dhoni was seen spending close to an hour training, facing pace and moving without obvious discomfort, which immediately raises the question again.

The short answer is not yet, but for the first time this season, there is some clear progress. MS Dhoni had travelled to Hyderabad for the last Chennai Super Kings match, but he didn’t train this much. Now, he is doing both batting and wicket-keeping practice, which shows he is getting ready to play.

According to reports from Wankhede Stadium, MS Dhoni batted for about 30 minutes, facing bowlers like Matt Henry and Jamie Overton. The most important update is that he looked comfortable and moved freely, which was a big concern after his pre-season injury.

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— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 21, 2026

Is MS Dhoni Back in Practice and Ready to Play for CSK?

He also kept wickets for a brief period, roughly half an hour. This is as good of a news as anything for CSK. However, there is still a gap between looking comfortable in the nets and being ready for a game. Dhoni has already missed six matches this season, and CSK need to phase him into the side slowly.

The management has been careful with Dhoni from the start, and there’s a reason for that. At 44, recovery timelines are different, and a calf injury is not something you take lightly, especially for a player who operates in short bursts late in the innings. Last season, Dhoni faced just over 11.5 balls per innings. He was expected to play a similar role this year as well, with Dhoni eyeing to bat just in the death overs. That role means quick running between the wickets.

Chennai Super Kings are still not fully sure that MS Dhoni is ready to play at full match intensity. Batting coach Michael Hussey recently said there is no fixed timeline for his comeback, which shows the team is still being careful. The main focus is not rushing him back, but making sure he becomes completely fit first before returning to matches. CSK’s season hasn’t gone to plan so far. Two wins in six matches has left them in the bottom half of the table, and injuries have only made things worse. Khaleel Ahmed is already out, Nathan Ellis had to be replaced, and now Spencer Johnson has been brought in to plug that gap.