'He’ll be back behind the stumps' - CSK coach confirms MS Dhoni's role once back from calf injury

Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey has revealed that once MS Dhoni returns from his calf injury, he will immediately take the role as the team's wicketkeeper for the rest of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).

Dhoni is slowly but surely close to full fitness and is expected to finally play his first game of the tournament in the coming days. The legendary skipper has had wicketkeeping drills prior to CSK’s game against the Mumbai Indians, but still did not feature in the game. 

Dhoni will need to make sure that he is fully fit to feature since he will not play as a specialist batter but will also be the side’s main wicketkeeper at the age of 44. The former India captain, therefore, cannot be used as an Impact Sub. Hussey has given the assurance that the right-hander has been excellent in training, but needs to make sure that his calf can handle the intensity of wicketkeeping and running hard between the wickets. 

“I’m quite sure he’ll be back behind the stumps. The main concern is the calf injury, it’s about the running, especially late in the innings when he may need to push hard for ones and twos. He just needs to ensure the calf is strong enough to handle that workload. From a skill perspective, we know exactly what MS Dhoni can do as a wicketkeeper, and he’s batting really well. It’s now about regaining full confidence in that calf,” Hussey said in the post-match press conference.

“He’s progressing really well. I know he’s pushing hard to return as soon as possible, and the fans are eager to see MS Dhoni back on the field. We’re hopeful it could be in the next few games, but he needs to be close to 100% to give his best. He’s been batting well in the nets and looks in good touch, now it’s also about being able to run hard between the wickets,” Hussey added.

With Hussey all but confirming Dhoni as CSK’s wicketkeeper going forward, the former captain will therefore take the gloves away from new signing Sanju Samson. The 31-year-old has been keeping the wickets for the five-time champions and is seen by many as a long-term replacement for Dhoni in the team.

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Dhoni, meanwhile, is still one of IPL’s best wicketkeepers despite being on the wrong side of 40. Last season, he played 14 matches in the 20-over tournament to take six catches behind the stump and perform five stumpings.