Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wicketkeeper MS Dhoni underwent intensive training at the Wankhede Stadium ahead of the clash against Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2026. The great cricketer is expected to retain his place in the playing eleven 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 the El Clasico match on Thursday, April 23 in Mumbai. The Chennai-based franchise is currently placed eighth in the 10-team points table. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and his team have got two wins and four losses in this match.
MS Dhoni works hard in the nets to face Rohit Sharma and MI in IPL 2026
During a 40-minute training session on Tuesday evening, MS Dhoni resumed wicketkeeping duties behind the stumps. Sarfaraz Khan and Urvil Patel batted while the former captain was keeping. MS Dhoni showed no problem and even teased Karthik Sharma by imitating his dismissal.
After the wicketkeeping session, MS Dhoni took batting practice for an hour. He hit the ball fluently, facing fast bowlers Matt Henry and Jamie Overton, followed by throwdowns, raising hopes of an early return to match action.
With wicketkeeping duties currently being handled by Sanju Samson, the management is unlikely to rush his return. If approved, MS Dhoni can be used as an influence player to manage his fitness and workload.
Rule No. 1: Don’t step out when the ball is behind the stumps
Rule No. 2: Read Rule No. 1 again #whistlepoddu #Yellow pic.twitter.com/mPYUIb3yuW– Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) 21 April 2026
Shock to CSK due to injury, Khaleel Ahmed and Ayush Mhatre out.
Chennai Super Kings is facing a major injury blow 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 has suffered a hamstring injury and will take 6 to 12 weeks to recover.
These issues have affected CSK’s team balance after a slow start to the season. The injuries to Mhatre and Khalil have created a void in both the batting and bowling departments ahead of the clash against Mumbai Indians.
Australian fast bowler 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 is likely to replace Khalil Ahmed in the playing eleven.
Will Jacques joins Mumbai Indians after losing opening match
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians have got a big boost in the team with the arrival of England all-rounder Will Jacques. After missing the first six matches due to undisclosed reasons, he has now joined the team and has trained extensively, bowling and batting off-spin for almost an hour during recent practice sessions.
Will Jacks recently enjoyed an impressive T20 World Cup campaign for England and won four Player of the Match awards. His presence may force the management to drop out an overseas spinner in either Allah Ghazanfar or Mitchell Santner to accommodate his all-round abilities.
Mumbai Indians also regained their momentum with a resounding 99-run win over Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium. With confidence back, they will look to take advantage of Chennai Super Kings’ injury concerns and inconsistent form in the upcoming encounter.
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