MS Dhoni Back to Wicketkeeping Practice Ahead of IPL 2026 Return? Anil Kumble Reveals Details

MS Dhoni is reportedly working hard to regain full fitness, but Anil Kumble feels CSK may not alter their winning combination.

Former India captain Anil Kumble revealed that MS Dhoni has stepped up his training ahead of Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2026 match against Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday. However, Kumble believes the veteran wicketkeeper may still stay out of the playing XI to avoid disturbing CSK’s winning combination.

Speaking on Star Sports, Kumble said Chennai traditionally avoid making unnecessary changes when the team performs well. He added that Dhoni has looked highly active during recent practice sessions. Kumble also pointed out that Dhoni has spent more time batting in the nets and even practised wicketkeeping regularly, something the former India captain rarely does during training. According to Kumble, those sessions show Dhoni’s strong push to regain complete match fitness.

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“CSK are the kind of side that don’t like their winning streak to end. They don’t tinker much with their winning combination, and they believe in backing their players. Now, MS Dhoni has been batting a lot in the nets. He has even been practising wicketkeeping in net sessions, which is very surprising because he is someone who never keeps wickets in the nets,” Kumble was quoted as saying.

“Dhoni is doing that and trying his best to return to full match fitness. But even if he manages to regain the required fitness levels, I feel he will not want to come into the playing XI because CSK are doing well. He will not take the chance of disrupting the team’s momentum and the player combination that has helped them win,” he added.

Sanju Samson Keeps CSK Playoff Hopes Alive in IPL 2026

In the tournament, Chennai Super Kings sits sixth on the points table and stays firmly in the playoff race. Sanju Samson continued to lead the batting unit with consistent performances, including an unbeaten 87 off 52 balls against Delhi Capitals in the previous match.

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Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad earlier regained form with important unbeaten innings, although he failed against DC. CSK now expect stronger support from Dewald Brevis, Kartik Sharma, Jamie Overton and Shivam Dube in the middle order. At Chepauk, spin remains a major factor despite improved batting conditions this season. Chennai will once again rely heavily on Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad to control the middle overs against a struggling Lucknow Super Giants side near the bottom of the table.