A fresh wave of excitement has gripped fans of Chennai Super Kings after MS Dhoni was spotted training ahead of their upcoming clash in the Indian Premier League 2026. A video circulating on social media shows the veteran cricketer walking out with his kitbag and facing deliveries in the nets, hinting at a possible early return.

Dhoni had missed CSK’s opening game against Rajasthan Royals due to a calf strain and was initially expected to remain sidelined for nearly two weeks. The franchise had earlier confirmed that he was undergoing rehabilitation, making his presence at practice a significant positive sign, even though an official fitness clearance is still awaited.

CSK, under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad, will be looking to recover from a disappointing start to their campaign. The team struggled in their opener and will be eager to put up a stronger performance when they face Punjab Kings in their first home game of the season.

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The batting unit has several concerns to address, with Sanju Samson failing to make an impact on his CSK debut. Meanwhile, uncertainty continues around the availability of Dewald Brevis, who is recovering from a side strain, adding further pressure on the lineup.

Young players like Sarfaraz Khan and Kartik Sharma are expected to step up as the tournament progresses. On the bowling side, Matt Henry and Noor Ahmad will be keen to bounce back after being put under pressure in the previous match.

Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer and coached by Ricky Ponting, enter the contest with momentum. With performers like Yuzvendra Chahal delivering in crucial phases, the match promises to be a competitive encounter, with Dhoni’s potential return adding to the anticipation.

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