The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) host the Mumbai Indians (MI) at Chepauk today in a high-stakes "El Clasico" of the IPL. Both teams are fighting for survival, with MI currently in 9th place and CSK in 7th. Rohit Sharma is recovering from a right hamstring injury sustained on April 12. Coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed Rohit batted in the nets on Friday. His availability is a game-time decision based on medical assessments.

“It’s progressed well. He’s working really hard to get back at it. For us, with the medical team, it’s on a daily basis.We see how he feels, how he pulls up the next day. So we’ll make a decision. We’ll see him practising today as well. So let’s see how he feels tomorrow and what the medical team will tell us," Jayawardene said in the pre-match press conference.

Mike Hussey on MS Dhoni's comeback

MS Dhoni is progressing well in his recovery from a calf injury and could return to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lineup very soon, potentially as early as the next match. CSK batting coach Mike Hussey confirmed on May 1, 2026, that Dhoni has been "upping his running speeds," which was the final hurdle for his comeback. While his batting and wicketkeeping skills are at 100%, the team is ensuring he has the "running power" needed for quick singles and doubles at the end of an innings. Hussey noted that running was the "sticking point," but Dhoni is now pushing hard to regain confidence in his calf.

Hussey dismissed rumors of Dhoni playing solely as an Impact Player; he is expected to resume full wicketkeeping duties. “But it was just making sure that he could maintain good running power, particularly towards the back end of an inning where he’s going to have to scan for those ones and twos. So as soon as he’s got the confidence in his calf, then I’m sure he’ll give it the tick to ready to go," Hussey said in the pre-match press conference.

He has been active in the nets, facing pacers and throwdown specialists, and recently began keeping wickets in practice sessions.