Dhoni Travels With CSK to Mumbai, but Comeback Date Remains Unclear

MS Dhoni has travelled with the Chennai Super Kings squad to Mumbai, but whether he will actually play in their clash with Mumbai Indians is still uncertain.

Dhoni’s recovery

CSK have played six matches this season, and the availability of their former captain has been a constant question. He was initially ruled out of the early stage with a calf injury but has recently begun batting in the nets, a sign that his recovery is moving along.

Reports say the squad reached Mumbai ahead of the game at Wankhede Stadium on April 23, with Dhoni in the party. After the loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, batting coach Mike Hussey said he was not sure about a return date. He was pleased with Dhoni’s rehab and his batting, he said, but the running still has to progress, since a batter finishing an innings must be able to run quick singles and twos. Dhoni also needs to regain full confidence in his movement.

An injury-hit campaign

CSK’s season has been disrupted by fitness problems. Khaleel Ahmed is out for the rest of the season with a quadriceps injury. Ayush Mhatre suffered a hamstring problem against SRH and will have scans in Mumbai, while Nathan Ellis was sidelined earlier in the tournament.

There are also reports that former Mumbai Indians pacer Akash Madhwal has been involved in CSK trials, and that Maharashtra all-rounder Rajvardhan Hangargekar will be assessed in Mumbai as the franchise looks to bolster a thin squad.

Where CSK stand

Chennai have won two of their six games after a 10-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, and the Wankhede fixture is an important one for them.