MS Dhoni (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)
New Delhi: The big question around MS Dhoni continues to dominate the IPL 2026 conversation – when will he return, and will he play today against Sunrisers Hyderabad? Fans are eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of the iconic wicketkeeper-batsman as Chennai Super Kings prepare to take on SRH at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Saturday.Dhoni was recently seen hitting the nets, hitting the ball cleanly and even clearing the ropes with ease. CSK shared a video on Instagram showing him in good form, which added to the excitement among fans.Will Dhoni play today?The answer, for now, is no. Dhoni, who has been recovering from a calf strain, is not expected to feature against SRH. Although the initial two-week recovery period has ended, the team is taking a cautious approach.However, his return may not be far away. TOI sources suggest that his rehabilitation is progressing well and he could return for either the match against Mumbai Indians on April 23 at the Wankhede Stadium or the match against Gujarat Titans on April 26 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.Dhoni suffered the injury during a training session just before the IPL, ruling him out of the opening weeks. “He is still doing his rehabilitation and we don’t want to risk his fitness,” CSK sources said.
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In terms of numbers, Dhoni remains one of the most consistent players in the league. Across 278 matches in the Indian Premier League, he scored 5,439 runs in 242 innings at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45, including 24 fifties and a highest score of 84*. He is currently the sixth highest run-scorer in IPL history.Last season, despite CSK finishing at the bottom, Dhoni managed 196 runs from 13 innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate above 135. CSK has retained him as an uncapped player for Rs 4 crore ahead of IPL 2025, and the same contract runs for IPL 2026.
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Which match excites you most for Dhoni’s potential return?
Going into this match, CSK will be looking to extend their winning streak to three matches, while SRH will aim to make the most of their home advantage, having won two of their five matches so far.
