MS Dhoni Near Match Fitness Ahead of CSK vs SRH IPL 2026 Clash, Final Call Awaited

MS Dhoni is nearing full fitness ahead of CSK’s clash against SRH, with a final decision on his return expected soon.

In a major boost for Chennai Super Kings, former captain MS Dhoni is reportedly close to regaining match fitness and could feature in the upcoming IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18. According to reports, Dhoni is nearing full recovery after missing the initial phase of the tournament due to a calf strain.

The veteran wicketkeeper-batter was initially expected to return during the clash against Delhi Capitals on April 11, but did not make the playing XI. He also sat out the recent game against Kolkata Knight Riders, further delaying his comeback.

“MS Dhoni to take a call tomorrow morning on whether he will travel to Hyderabad for CSK’s match against SRH on Saturday,” the report from RevSportz says.

Fitness Progress and Team Combination Dilemma

Dhoni’s recovery has been closely monitored, with the franchise maintaining a cautious approach to ensure full fitness before his return. The report further suggests that a final decision regarding his participation will be made soon.

In Dhoni’s absence, Sanju Samson has taken over wicketkeeping duties, while skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has kept fans updated on the progress, stating that the rehabilitation is moving as per the planned timeline.

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However, CSK now faces a selection headache. The team has registered back-to-back wins with an unchanged playing XI, and reintegrating Dhoni could mean reshuffling a settled combination. The squad has also been bolstered by the return of Dewald Brevis and the inclusion of Akeal Hosein.

Dhoni’s Influence Still Felt Off the Field

Even without featuring in matches, Dhoni’s presence has continued to impact the team. His experience and guidance have proven valuable, particularly for younger players in the squad.

Spinner Noor Ahmad delivered a match-winning performance against Kolkata Knight Riders, reportedly after a detailed discussion with Dhoni during practice sessions.

Reflecting on Noor’s performance, CSK assistant coach Sridharan Sriram shared insights into the preparation:

“I think it was good, the wicket helped today, there was a little bit of boredom for him. The other wickets were quite flat. Today, he was a little bit slower through the air,” Sriram said while speaking at the post-match press conference.

As CSK prepares for a crucial phase in IPL 2026, Dhoni’s potential return could provide a significant boost, both in terms of leadership and on-field performance.