MS Dhoni plays with 'Champak', return buzz grows ahead of MI vs CSK clash

NEW DELHI: MS Dhoni is yet to feature in an IPL 2026 match so far. Fans are eagerly waiting for their superstar to return to the field. He has been nursing a calf strain that he picked up just before the tournament began late last month, and anticipation among fans is high ahead of Chennai Super Kings’ clash against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.

A day before the game, Dhoni lit up the stadium as camerapersons, groundstaff and crew members were treated to his lighter side. He was seen playing with the robot dog “Champak” during a practice session at Wankhede Stadium.

Dhoni, who has led CSK to five IPL titles, had an intense training session on Tuesday where he kept wickets and later had a batting stint in the nets.

On Wednesday, he had a brief session initially before taking a break, returning later for nearly an hour to face throwdown specialists and fast bowlers.

After the session, Dhoni - known to be a dog lover - was spotted playing with the AI-powered IPL robotic dog, spending a few moments interacting with it.

He tried to get the robot to mimic his gestures, although there were instances when it couldn’t respond.

So far, CSK have won just two of their six IPL 2026 matches, including a 10-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and are currently placed eighth on the points table.

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin believes Dhoni is likely to feature in the clash against Mumbai Indians.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said Dhoni’s presence in training indicates he could take up wicketkeeping duties, possibly replacing Sanju Samson, or be used as an Impact Player.

Ashwin expressed confidence that Dhoni is fit and ready, adding that his experience and finishing ability could be vital for CSK, especially after their struggles to close out games.

He emphasised that Dhoni’s power-hitting in the death overs makes him a key asset in tight situations.

Dhoni had his first wicketkeeping session of IPL 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday. The 44-year-old has been sidelined for CSK’s first six matches while recovering from a calf strain.

"I've never seen MS Dhoni keeping the wickets in the nets. This means he will be keeping in place of (Sanju) Samson. Or he might be used as an Impact player. I am 100 per cent sure he will play (against Mumbai Indians). I've heard he's fit and good to go," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat.

"See against SRH, CSK were found lacking in finishing the game. So if you need 15 off 5 deliveries, Dhoni can do the job. He can hit the sixes towards the end," Ashwin added.