Chennai Super Kings: As calf injury forced MS Dhoni out of the first two weeks of IPL 2026, former New Zealand cricketer Mitchell McClenaghan opined that if the wicketkeeper-batter is fit then Chennai Super Kings should bring him in the match against Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday as an impact substitute, where he may not have to do a lot of running.
On Monday, Dhoni had a short hit in the nets towards the fag end of CSK's training session under lights at Chepauk, but limited himself to facing throwdowns from the support staff, including batting coach Mike Hussey. While he has been training with his teammates, Dhoni is yet to hit full tilt.
“If MS Dhoni is fit, then CSK should bring him in as the impact player. If the team management feels they need a short burst of runs from him, especially when they are chasing, then bringing him in as the impact sub will allow them to make the best use of his batting abilities. Playing as an impact player will mean he may not have to do a lot of running," McClenaghan told JioStar.