The suspense around MS Dhoni’s return in the Indian Premier League 2026 continues, as Chennai Super Kings prepare to face Mumbai Indians in a high-profile clash at the Wankhede Stadium.

CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has now shared an important update on Dhoni’s fitness and chances of playing.

🚑 What happened to MS Dhoni?

• Dhoni suffered a calf injury just before IPL 2026 began
• Injury occurred during an intra-squad practice match
• He has not played a single match this season so far

👉 The injury affected his ability to run comfortably, delaying his return.

📢 Ruturaj Gaikwad’s big update

Gaikwad confirmed that:

• Dhoni is recovering gradually
• The team is taking a cautious approach
• Return timeline is not fixed yet, but expected soon

🗣️ Key takeaway from his statement:

• “He is slowly getting there”
• “Maybe next game, maybe after that”
• “Definitely one day for sure”

👉 This suggests Dhoni is close to returning, but may not be rushed.

🏏 Will Dhoni play vs MI today?

Based on current signals:

• ❓ Availability still uncertain
• 👍 Participated in net sessions before the match
• ⚠️ Match fitness still under assessment

👉 Final decision likely to be taken just before the toss.

🎯 If he plays, what will be his role?

Gaikwad made it clear that Dhoni’s role will remain consistent with recent IPL seasons:

• Batting position: Lower order (No. 7–8)
• Role:
  • Finish innings in last overs
  • Provide quick runs in final 3–4 overs
• Focus on impact rather than long innings

👉 He may also be used as an Impact Player to manage workload.

🔄 Team strategy insight

• CSK management is backing younger players in top order
• Dhoni is expected to:
  • Step in only when needed
  • Take responsibility in pressure situations

This reflects a transition phase with Dhoni mentoring younger talent.

⚔️ Why this match is crucial

• MI vs CSK = IPL’s biggest rivalry
• Fans eagerly waiting for Dhoni’s comeback
• His presence can:
  • Boost team morale
  • Strengthen finishing ability

🧠 Simple takeaway

• Dhoni recovering from calf injury
• Not confirmed for MI clash yet
• Return expected very soon
• If he plays → likely finisher role only

There is still uncertainty over whether Rohit Sharma will feature in today’s high-voltage clash between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings in the 33rd match of the Indian Premier League 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium.

🚑 Injury update: Rohit Sharma still not fully fit

Rohit has missed the last two matches after suffering a hamstring injury during a game against
Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

🔍 What happened in practice?

• Took part in training session before the match
• Started with light jogging
• Batted for around 25 minutes
• Faced only throwdowns (no fast bowlers)
• Avoided aggressive stroke play

👉 This strongly indicates he is not match-fit yet, especially for facing high-intensity pace bowling.

❓ Will he play today?

• Final decision expected at the toss
• Current signs suggest:
  • ❌ Low chances of playing
  • Team may not risk worsening the injury

👉 If he misses out again, MI is likely to continue with unchanged top order.

🔄 Who replaces Rohit Sharma?

In Rohit’s absence:

• Debutant Danish Malewar is expected to retain his spot
• Though he didn’t perform well last match, the team may back him again

🟡 CSK camp update: Dhoni likely to return?

On the other side, MS Dhoni showed better signs of readiness:

🏏 Training highlights:

• Active participation in nets
• Faced multiple bowlers including:
  • Spencer Johnson
  • Mukesh Choudhary
  • Ramakrishna Ghosh
• Batted for ~20 minutes + throwdowns

👉 His involvement suggests a higher chance of playing compared to Rohit.

🔁 Possible CSK changes

• Ayush Mhatre ruled out of the season
• Likely replacement: Urvil Patel
• If Dhoni plays:
  • Sarfaraz Khan could be benched
  • Or Dhoni may feature as an Impact Player

⚔️ Why this match matters

• MI vs CSK = IPL’s biggest rivalry (“El Clásico of IPL”)
• Rohit’s absence could impact MI’s batting stability
• Dhoni’s return could boost CSK’s experience and finishing power

🧠 Simple takeaway

• Rohit Sharma → unlikely to play (not fully fit)
• Final call → at toss
• Dhoni → more likely to return
• Both teams may make key changes

The India Women’s Cricket Team will face the South Africa Women’s Cricket Team in the third T20I of the five-match series today at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. The match is scheduled to begin at 9:30 PM IST.

With the series slipping away, this is a must-win game for India to stay alive.

📺 Live Telecast & Streaming Details

• TV Broadcast (India): Star Sports 3
• Live Streaming: JioHotstar
• Match Time: 9:30 PM IST

(Main Star Sports channels are currently occupied with IPL broadcasts.)

🔥 Series Situation & Stakes

India trail 0-2 in the five-match series, making this clash crucial:

• A loss would hand South Africa the series
• A win keeps India’s hopes alive

With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup approaching, every match is vital for preparation.

🇮🇳 India’s Challenges So Far

Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, India have struggled in both departments:

• Failed to cross 160 runs batting first
• Bowlers have taken only 6 wickets in 2 matches
• Lack of momentum in both powerplay and death overs

Key players who need to step up:

• Smriti Mandhana
• Shafali Verma
• Deepti Sharma

🇿🇦 South Africa Eye Series Win

The South Africa Women’s Cricket Team, led by Laura Wolvaardt, have been dominant:

• Successfully chased 158 and 148 in previous matches
• Strong batting depth and disciplined bowling

A win today would seal the series, allowing them to experiment in the remaining games.

🧠 What to Expect

• A high-pressure contest for India
• Possible tactical changes in batting order
• South Africa may test batting first if they win the toss

🏏 Squads

India Women

Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Renuka Singh Thakur, Shreyanka Patil, and others.

South Africa Women

Laura Wolvaardt (c), Sune Luus, Tazmin Brits, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, and others.

📊 Why This Match Matters

With limited T20Is left before the World Cup, this series is crucial for:

• Finalizing combinations
• Building match momentum
• Identifying key performers under pressure