It seems that the Chennai Super Kings fans would have to wait for a few more games to see their beloved ‘Thala’ walk onto the field. Per reports, the former Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has resumed light batting in nets, but is unlikely to make his IPL 2026 debut against the SunRisers Hyderabad. Notably, Dhoni has been sidelined since the beginning of the season due to a calf injury. While several reports have been claiming that the 44-year-old is nearing his full recovery and is likely to make his debut soon, the latest updates have kept fans thinking.

According to Cricbuzz, Dhoni has resumed his light batting sessions in nets, but is unlikely to play against the SunRisers Hyderabad. Notably, Dhoni missed the first five games for CSK due to a calf injury since he was ruled out for two weeks right before the start of the season. Recently, a report by RevSportz suggested, "MS Dhoni to take a call tomorrow morning on whether he will travel to Hyderabad for CSK's match against SRH on Saturday. The former CSK captain, who so far has been sidelined due to a calf strain, is very close to full fitness, it is learnt. A final call will be taken tomorrow morning.”

The five-time IPL winning captain has been training with the team and speculations about him playing against the Kolkata Knight Riders, but he didn’t play. However, it is not clear if Dhoni is sitting out because of his fitness or the franchise is trying to navigate without him considering he is nearing the end of his IPL career.

Should MS Dhoni play as an impact player? Experts share mixed opinions

There have been talks that Dhoni could also enter in as an impact player, but former players and commentators have shared mixed opinions on the same. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that Dhoni should call time on his career, while Mitchell McClenaghan has backed the idea of the former Indian skipper stepping in as an impact player. “You don’t run the team from the dugout, it’s not football. In cricket, you need to be on the field, and MS Dhoni’s biggest asset is his ability to read the game better than anybody else. That clarity and conviction are what make him who he is. In any case, I feel this could be his last season,” Chopra said.

On the other hand, McClenaghan opined, "If MS Dhoni is fit, then CSK should bring him in as the Impact Player. If the team management feels they need a short burst of runs from him, especially when they are chasing, then bringing him in as the Impact Sub will allow them to make the best use of his batting abilities. Playing as an Impact Player will mean he may not have to do a lot of running. He can just come in, smack the ball into the stands and do his job of finishing in style.”