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Chennai Super Kings will surely receive a huge boost as MS Dhoni is all set to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 in a little while. While the legendary wicket-keeper batter has not featured in a single game in the ongoing season so far owing to a calf injury the latest update indicates that he may not be far from returning.

Dhoni was declared out before the commencement of the tourney, and hence, CSK opted for Sanju Samson to don the role of a wicket-keeper. Samson has performed brilliantly behind the wickets and has also contributed to the batting lineup for CSK.

In a recent occurrence, it was reported that MS Dhoni was spotted training ahead of the Chennai Super Kings' encounter against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. However, Ruturaj Gaikwad the skipper of CSK, stated that he will not be a part of that game. Chennai Super Kings then went on to win that match by a dominant 103 runs.

Michael Hussey  who is the batting coach of CSK, has recently made it clear that MS Dhoni will definitely keep the wickets in the line-up upon his return to the playing XI. However, he also stressed upon being cautious owing to the calf injury.

Michael Hussey said:

"Oh, I'm pretty sure he'll be behind the stumps. The biggest thing for him is that he's had the calf injury it's just the running and late in innings, if he comes in having to scamper those ones and twos he just needs to make sure the calf is strong enough to withstand that."

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Hussey also stated to the broadcaster during the mid-match interval:

"But certainly from a skill perspective we know what he can do as a keeper. We know he's batting he's batting really well so it's just hopefully getting that confidence in the calf." 

Moreover, Hussey further claimed that Dhoni has been performing outstandingly in his training sessions and all that the team expects at the moment is that he gets his confidence back with his calf.

Meanwhile, in MS Dhoni's absence, Sanju Samson has proved his mettle behind the wickets. Despite starting the league with a slow note he bounced back brilliantly with a stunning century against the Delhi Capitals.

Furthermore, he scored yet another scintillating knock against the Mumbai Indians remaining unbeaten on 101 runs with the help of 10 boundaries and six sixes. His innings helped CSK register a mammoth victory.

When Dhoni returns to the playing XI in the upcoming few games Sanju Samson will also be expected to retain his place as an opener in the line-up, which has certainly turned out to be the main positive for Chennai Super Kings so far in the tournament.

CSK will next lock horns against Gujarat Titans on April 26 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium and all eyes will be on whether MS Dhoni makes his much-anticipated return.