Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey has stated that once MS Dhoni recovers from his calf injury, he will take over as the team’s wicketkeeper for the remainder of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).
Dhoni is getting closer to full fitness and is likely to make his first appearance in the tournament soon. He has been practicing wicketkeeping ahead of CSK’s match against the Mumbai Indians, but he did not play in that game.
Since Dhoni will be the main wicketkeeper at 44 years old, he must ensure he is in top shape. He will not be available as a specialist batter and cannot serve as an Impact Sub. Hussey confirmed that Dhoni has performed well in training but needs to ensure his calf can handle the physical demands of wicketkeeping and running.
“I’m confident he’ll return behind the stumps. The main issue is the calf injury, particularly when he needs to sprint for quick runs late in the innings. He must ensure that the calf can handle that workload. We already know his skills as a wicketkeeper, and he has been batting well. It’s about regaining full confidence in that calf,” Hussey mentioned in the post-match press conference.
“He’s making good progress. I know he’s working hard to return quickly, and there’s anticipation for him to be back on the field soon. We hope it could be within the next few games, but he needs to be nearly 100% to perform his best. He’s batting well in practice and is looking good, but running between the wickets is also essential,” Hussey added.
With Hussey indicating Dhoni’s return as CSK’s wicketkeeper, he will take over the role from new signing Sanju Samson, who has been keeping wickets for the team and is seen as a potential long-term successor to Dhoni.
Despite being over 40, Dhoni remains one of the IPL’s top wicketkeepers. Last season, he played 14 matches in the tournament, taking six catches and completing five stumpings.