IPL 2026: Big Fitness Update on MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma Ahead of CSK vs MI

Uncertainty over MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma’s return continues, with coaches confirming the decision will depend on fitness checks.

Fitness updates around MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma dominate headlines ahead of the IPL 2026 match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday.

Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene said Rohit is recovering well from a hamstring injury. The opener has played only 4 matches this season and missed the last 4 games. He returned to the nets in Chennai on Friday, and the team continues daily assessments before taking a final call.

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“It’s progressed well. He’s working really hard to get back at it. For us, with the medical team, it’s on a daily basis. We see how he feels, how he pulls up the next day. So we’ll make a decision. We’ll see him practising today as well. So let’s see how he feels tomorrow and what the medical team will tell us,” Jayawardene said in the pre-match press conference.

On the other side, Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey shared a positive update on Dhoni. The 42-year-old has spent 3 weeks recovering from a calf injury. Hussey said Dhoni has increased his running intensity and is close to full fitness.

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The team management remains confident about his batting and wicketkeeping. However, Dhoni will decide his return once he feels fully comfortable while running between the wickets.

“I know he’s been upping his running speeds and that was probably the sticking point. I think we’re very confident from a skill perspective with his batting and his wicketkeeping. But it was just making sure that he could maintain good running power, particularly towards the back end of an inning where he’s going to have to scan for those ones and twos. So as soon as he’s got the confidence in his calf, then I’m sure he’ll give it the tick to be ready to go. Once he feels confident in his calf, I’m sure he’ll give the signal that he’s ready to go. At the moment, we’re guided by him. We’re waiting. I think all of Chennai is waiting,” Hussey said in the pre-match press conference.

Both teams will take late calls on their senior players, adding uncertainty ahead of the match.