Chennai Super Kings (CSK) goalkeeper MS Dhoni trained intensively at the Wankhede Stadium ahead of their clash against Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2026. The legendary cricketer is expected to retain his place in the playing XI after missing the initial phase of the Indian Premier League season due to a calf strain.
Chennai Super Kings will take on Mumbai Indians in this El Clásico match in Mumbai on Thursday, April 23. The Chennai-based franchise is currently in the eighth position in the 10-team points table. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and his team have two wins and four losses heading into this away fixture.
MS Dhoni pushes hard in the nets to take on Rohit Sharma and MI in IPL 2026
During a 40-minute training session on Tuesday night, MS Dhoni resumed his maintenance duties behind the stumps. Sarfaraz Khan and Urvil Patel batted while the former captain kept on. MS Dhoni did not show any visible discomfort and even mocked Kartik Sharma by simulating a dismissal.
After the wicket-keeping session, MS Dhoni prepared for an hour-long batting practice. He struck the ball fluently, taking on fast bowlers Matt Henry and Jamie Overton, followed by knocks, raising hopes of an early return to match action.
With groundskeeping duties currently being handled by Sanju Samson, it is unlikely that the management will rush his return. If given the nod, MS Dhoni could be used as an impact player to manage his fitness and workload.
Rule No. 1: Don’t come out when Thala is behind the stumps. Rule No. 2: Read Rule No. 1 again 😂💪#WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/mPYUIb3yuW
– Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 21, 2026
CSK suffer injury setbacks as Khaleel Ahmed, Ayush Mhatre ruled out
Chennai Super Kings are dealing with a major injury setback during IPL 2026. Fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed and young batsman Ayush Mhatre have been ruled out and the team is yet to announce replacements. Mhatre suffered a hamstring injury and will need 6 to 12 weeks to recover.
These issues have affected the balance of CSK’s squad after a slow start to the season. Injuries to Mhatre and Khaleel have created gaps in both the batting and bowling departments ahead of their clash against Mumbai Indians.
Australian pacer Spencer Johnson has joined the team in Mumbai. He was signed as a replacement for Nathan Ellis and trained with the team at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday. Johnson is expected to play soon and will likely replace Khaleel Ahmed in the XI.
Will Jacks joins Mumbai Indians after missing opening games
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians have received a big boost in their squad with the arrival of English all-rounder Will Jacks. After missing the first six matches for undisclosed reasons, he has now joined the team and trained extensively, bowling and batting for almost an hour during recent practice sessions.
Will Jacks recently enjoyed an impressive T20 World Cup campaign for England, winning four Player of the Match awards. His presence could force the management to leave out one of the foreign spinners, be it Allah Ghazanfar or Mitchell Santner, to make room for his all-rounder skills.
Mumbai Indians also regained momentum with a dominant 99-run win over Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Once confidence returns, they will look to capitalize on Chennai Super Kings’ injury concerns and inconsistent form in the upcoming clash.
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