Dhoni returns to CSK nets but early comeback unlikely despite viral training clip
A short clip of Dhoni facing throwdowns at the Chepauk nets spread quickly across social media on Thursday and sent CSK fans into a frenzy. He looked comfortable enough, working the ball around and finding his timing, but a return to competitive cricket is still some way off according to people close to the situation.
What we know about the injury
Dhoni picked up the calf strain during a pre-tournament training session and missed CSK's opening match against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30. He stayed behind in Chennai for rehabilitation while the squad travelled. The initial prognosis was a two-week absence from match action, which would have kept him out until around April 11 at the earliest.
Some reports go further. Hindustan Times reported that Dhoni could miss matches until the end of April, which would rule him out of roughly the first six games of CSK's campaign. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has refused to put a date on it, saying only that an official medical update was expected around the 13th day of his recovery period.
Net sessions are not match fitness
Batting against throwdowns in the nets is a long way from facing Jasprit Bumrah at full pace under floodlights. Dhoni's presence at training shows he is progressing, not that he is ready. CSK will be wary of rushing him back and aggravating the calf, especially given he turned 44 last July. At his age, soft tissue injuries demand patience.
Dewald Brevis, who has also been dealing with a fitness issue, was reportedly seen training alongside Dhoni. His availability for Friday's match against Punjab Kings is also uncertain.
CSK can't afford to wait forever
The opening loss to Rajasthan was comprehensive. CSK managed just 127 and were chased down in 12.1 overs. Without Dhoni's experience in the middle order and his ability to close out tight finishes, the batting looks thin. Gaikwad and Samson need to fire at the top, and the middle order of Dube, Sarfaraz Khan and Overton has to find a way to build bigger totals.
Six matches without Dhoni would take CSK well into the business end of the league phase. If results go wrong in that stretch, his return might come too late to matter.
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