MS Dhoni returns to CSK coaching: Will he play Chepauk conflict vs PBKS?


MS Dhoni has returned to coaching with Chennai Tremendous Kings, sparking contemporary hypothesis over a doable early comeback in IPL 2026. The 44-year-old, who missed the season opener attributable to a calf pressure, was seen batting within the nets forward of CSK’s dwelling conflict in opposition to Punjab Kings.

IPL-2026-csk-vs-pbks-training-session-video-viral-2890415-2026-04-02?utm_source=global-search&utm_medium=global-search&utm_campaign=global-search” goal=”_blank”>Dhoni’s return to coaching comes before anticipated after an harm that was initially set to maintain him out for round two weeks. Nonetheless, talking via his actions in coaching quite than any official replace, the veteran gave the impression to be easing his manner again into match health.

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On the CSK coaching session on the eve of the Chepauk conflict, Dhoni was seen specializing in vary hitting and light-weight health drills, however notably didn’t take part absolutely with the squad. Whereas he hung out batting within the nets, he stayed away from wicketkeeping drills, with Sanju Samson persevering with behind the stumps in apply.

That element has added a layer of uncertainty round his availability, suggesting that whereas Dhoni is shut, he could not but be able to return to full match duties.

Other than Dhoni, one other injured CSK participant, Dewald Brevis, additionally took half within the group’s coaching session forward of Friday’s conflict. Nonetheless, Brevis was restricted to short-run drills throughout apply earlier than the Royals sport, working intently with the group physios.

WILL DHONI PLAY CSK vs PBKS?

Regardless of returning to coaching, Dhoni’s participation within the conflict in opposition to Punjab Kings stays unclear. The absence of wicketkeeping apply factors in the direction of a cautious strategy, with CSK prone to prioritize long-term health over a rushed comeback.

The franchise has already begun adjusting to life with out him, with Samson stepping in as wicketkeeper following his high-profile transfer from Rajasthan Royals. His presence, together with a youthful core, has hinted at a gradual transition inside the squad.

Over the previous few seasons, Dhoni’s position has developed considerably. Having stepped away from captaincy, he has operated extra as a situational finisher, usually coming into late within the innings quite than anchoring the batting order. The introduction of the Influence Participant rule has additional restricted his time on the sector, making his appearances extra tactical than fixed.

With CSK balancing transition and expertise, Dhoni’s return is being managed rigorously. Whereas his presence in coaching is a optimistic signal, the indicators counsel that the veteran could take a measured route again, quite than dashing into the Chepauk conflict.

For now, his availability stays a game-time name, however his return to the nets has already lifted the temper round CSK forward of an important dwelling fixture.

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Revealed By:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Revealed On:

Apr 3, 2026 11:23 IST