MS Dhoni likely to return for CSK against Mumbai Indians, says Suresh Raina

Key facts

• MS Dhoni has missed the first two weeks of IPL 2026 due to a calf strain.
• CSK are in seventh place in the points table and need a win to keep playoff hopes alive.
• Suresh Raina said on JioStar: 'Aaj khel rahe hai shayad. Aaj khel rahe hai.'
• CSK batting coach Michael Hussey said Dhoni is progressing well but no final decision has been made.
• Dhoni has been training with the squad but not traveling to stadiums on match days to avoid distracting teammates.
• CSK lost their last match against Gujarat Titans despite an unbeaten knock from captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
• Dhoni interacted with Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav during training on Friday.

Will he play? Raina’s hint fuels anticipation

The question of whether MS Dhoni will take the field for Chennai Super Kings against Mumbai Indians has dominated buildup to the marquee IPL fixture. On Friday, CSK legend Suresh Raina offered the strongest indication yet, telling JioStar: 'Aaj khel rahe hai shayad. Aaj khel rahe hai. Khel rahe hai bhai logo.' The anchor Jatin Sapru responded, 'Ab aayega na maza.' Raina’s comments come as CSK, five-time champions, find themselves in a precarious position. The team is seventh in the points table and must win to keep playoff qualification alive. The match against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai is effectively a must-win.

Dhoni’s absence: calf strain and a longer recovery

Dhoni has not played in IPL 2026 after being sidelined with a calf strain. CSK initially announced he would miss the first two weeks, but his recovery has taken longer than expected. He has been training with the squad on the eve of games but has not traveled to the stadium on match days. On Friday, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey revealed the reason: Dhoni does not want to draw attention and distract his teammates. 'He was worried that if he came, all the focus would be on him,' Hussey said, explaining the decision to stay away.

CSK’s crisis: bottom-half slump and a must-win clash

CSK are languishing in the bottom half of the table after a string of poor results. Their latest match ended in a defeat to the Gujarat Titans, despite an unbeaten knock from captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. The team desperately needs Dhoni’s return to turn its fortunes around. The match against Mumbai Indians is a marquee fixture between IPL’s iconic rivals, both fast approaching must-win territory. A loss would severely damage CSK’s playoff hopes.

Hussey’s cautious update: progress but no decision

When asked directly whether Dhoni would play, Hussey did not give a definitive answer. He said the wicketkeeper-batter is 'progressing really well' and that the final call on his participation will be taken later. The ambiguity leaves fans and pundits guessing until the last moment. Dhoni’s interactions with Mumbai Indians players Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav during Friday’s training session grabbed attention, but whether that signals his return remains unclear.

What’s at stake: playoff hopes and Dhoni’s legacy

For CSK, the match is a must-win to keep playoff hopes alive. For Dhoni, at 44, every game could be his last. The question of his future has hung over every IPL season, but this year the uncertainty is more acute: will he play at all in 2026? Raina’s hint suggests the answer may be yes, but until the team sheet is confirmed, the wait continues. The outcome of the match could define CSK’s season and shape the narrative around Dhoni’s farewell.

The bottom line

• Suresh Raina strongly indicated MS Dhoni will play against Mumbai Indians, saying 'he will play tonight.'
• Dhoni has missed the first two weeks of IPL 2026 with a calf strain, and his recovery has taken longer than expected.
• CSK are seventh in the points table and need a win to keep playoff hopes alive.
• Dhoni has been training but not traveling to matches to avoid distracting teammates.
• The final decision on Dhoni’s participation has not been announced, with Hussey saying he is 'progressing well.'
• The match against Mumbai Indians is a must-win for CSK, who lost their last game to Gujarat Titans.