Will MS Dhoni finally play in IPL 2026? Hussey says ‘all of Chennai is waiting’

NEW DELHI: The large question dominating the build-up to Chennai Super Kings’ high-voltage clash against Mumbai Indians is elemental — volition MS Dhoni yet play successful IPL 2026?CSK batting manager Michael Hussey has offered an encouraging update, revealing that the erstwhile skipper is making dependable advancement successful his betterment from a calf wounded that has kept him retired for the past 3 weeks.“Hopefully he’ll beryllium backmost arsenic soon arsenic possible. I don’t cognize if it’s time oregon it’s possibly the adjacent lucifer aft that, but he’s progressing truly well,” Hussey said connected the eve of the clash astatine Chepauk.Recovery connected track, but last telephone with DhoniHussey emphasised that portion Dhoni’s skills stay intact, the absorption has been connected regaining afloat moving fittingness — particularly important successful the last overs of an innings.“I cognize he’s been upping his moving speeds and that was astir apt the sticking point.

I deliberation we’re precise assured from a accomplishment position with his batting and his wicketkeeping,” Hussey explained.“But it was conscionable making definite that helium could support bully moving power, peculiarly towards the backmost extremity of an inning wherever he’s going to person to scan for those ones and twos. So arsenic soon arsenic he’s got the assurance successful his calf, past I’m definite he’ll springiness it the tick to acceptable to go.”The decision, however, yet rests with Dhoni himself.

“Once helium feels assured successful his calf, I’m definite he’ll springiness the awesome that he’s acceptable to go. At the moment, we’re guided by him. We’re waiting. I deliberation each of Chennai is waiting,” Hussey added.Staying distant to debar distractionsInterestingly, Dhoni has not been contiguous successful the dugout during matches — a deliberate prime to support the spotlight distant from the team.“He’s specified a team-orientated guy, MS Dhoni. He ever wants what’s champion for the squad and helium was disquieted that if helium came, there’d beryllium a spot excessively overmuch of a distraction,” Hussey revealed.“Obviously, the cameras would beryllium connected him a lot. The assemblage would beryllium cheering for him… helium truly wanted the squad to conscionable beryllium capable to spell astir their job.”Despite his lack connected lucifer days, Dhoni remains actively progressive down the scenes. “He’s been watching precise intimately backmost home. He’s astatine grooming each the time… a bubbly property and offers a batch of his experience,” Hussey said.