MS Dhoni Needs 'Calf Confidence', Will Keep Wickets When Ready To Play: Mike Hussey

Stating that MS Dhoni needs "calf confidence", Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey on Thursday (April 23) confirming that the talisman will keep wickets when he's 100 per cent fit to finally take the field in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

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Hussey shared the much-awaited Dhoni update while talking to the host broadcaster during CSK's blockbuster 'IPL Clasico' face-off with Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. The 44-year-old had batted and kept wickets in the nets ahead of the game, but did not play the match eventually.

Asked about Dhoni's fitness, Hussey said, "He's progressing really well. I know he's pushing hard to get back as quickly as he possibly can. I know all the fans want to see MS Dhoni out there playing as well. So we're hopeful maybe in the next few games."

The former Australia batter added, "We want him back as quickly as he possibly can as well. But obviously he needs to be close to 100% ready to give his best. He's been batting well in the nets. Just needs to run hard between the wickets too."

India great Sunil Gavaskar then asked Hussey whether Dhoni will keep wickets once he's back, or just play as a batter. The CSK batting coach replied: "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 the 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. But certainly from a skill perspective, we know what he can do as a keeper. We know he's batting really well, so it's just hopefully getting that confidence in the calf."