The long wait for MS Dhoni’s return to action continued after the 44-year-old was not named in the starting eleven or in the impact subs at the toss against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday.

Dhoni hasn’t played a single game this season owing to a calf injury that he picked up before the start of the season.

The CSK management has been non committal about Dhoni’s return date, with batting coach Mike Hussey stating that he’s ‘hopeful’ that Dhoni will be back as soon as possible.

“The primary concern has been his ability to sustain running intensity. He’s been working on his running speeds, which was probably the main concern. From a skill perspective, we’re very confident in his batting and wicketkeeping,” Hussey remarked on the eve of the match against Mumbai Indians.

“It was more about ensuring he can maintain good running power, especially towards the back end of an innings where quick singles and twos are crucial,” Hussey said, before adding that the final call rests with Dhoni.

Head coach Stephen Fleming had revealed earlier that Dhoni had suffered a setback during his recovery, which has delayed his return to action from two weeks to an extended period of time.

“The calf is a tough one. In a warm-up game, he tweaked it again, it’s my understanding. If he takes off and rips the calf again, then he will be gone,” Fleming said after his side’s defeat against Gujarat Titans.

Published on May 02, 2026