Still, talk swirls around MS Dhoni possibly stepping back into the fray during IPL 2026. Could today be the day? With eyes fixed on the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, anticipation builds. Chennai Super Kings prepare on Saturday at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

Though nothing is confirmed, hope lingers among supporters wanting just one more look at the iconic wicketkeeper-batter doing what he does best. MS Dhoni lit up a practice session, smashing shots that flew past the boundary without effort. Suddenly, a clip posted by CSK online revealed his smooth timing, sparking quiet excitement. Rhythm seemed sharp, almost natural, feeding whispers about a possible comeback.

No immediate return, but MS Dhoni’s comeback nears

Right now, it looks certain that playing against SRH isn’t in the cards for MS Dhoni. Healing from a calf issue has taken time; even after wrapping up the first fortnight of rehab, there's no rush from the camp. Careful steps matter more than quick returns.

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Possibly, he could reappear sooner than expected. Signs point to a steady recovery, maybe stepping back onto the field during the match with the Mumbai Indians on April 23 at Wankhede Stadium or perhaps facing the Gujarat Titans three days later under the lights of MA Chidambaram.

Out on the field one moment, sidelined the next, that was Dhoni after getting hurt in training before the event started. People close to the squad keep saying the same thing: nothing matters more than his body healing right, so there’s zero rush, no pushing through just to meet dates.

Most players fade, yet MS Dhoni keeps delivering season after season. In 278 games, his bat has found the boundary 5,439 times across 242 knocks, with an average just shy of 38.30, pace well above 137. 44 half-centuries mark his name, one top score stuck at 84, not quite touching a century. Right now, five others sit ahead, placing him sixth on the league's all-time scoring list.

Still, back then, even when CSK finished last, Dhoni managed 196 runs across 13 knocks, with a strike rate well past 135. Held on as an unpriced pick worth ₹4 crore before IPL 2025, that deal rolls forward untouched into 2026.

CSK's Best Playing XI vs SRH

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson will continue to open for the Super Kings despite the former's struggles at the top this season. Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube are expected to follow the batting order according to the situation.

With no MS Dhoni today, Jamie Overton is likely to bat in No. 7 again. Spinners Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad will be joined by Anshul Kambok and Gurjanpreet Singh in the bowling attack.

Mukesh Choudhary is likely to replace injured Khaleel Ahmed in CSK's playing eleven against SRH.

CSK Predicted XI vs SRH: Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Akeal Hosein, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary. Impact Player: Gurjapneet Singh

Chasing a third straight win, CSK steps into this clash with quiet confidence. On their turf, SRH hope that familiar ground gives them an edge; they’ve managed just two victories from five matches so far.