Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni opts to remain absent from IPL 2026 dugout to avoid team distraction
Batting coach Michael Hussey reveals the veteran's selfless decision to stay away from match days allows the playing group to concentrate, with a return to fitness potentially imminent.
Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey has confirmed that veteran captain MS Dhoni deliberately chose to remain absent from the dugout during IPL 2026 matches to prevent becoming a distraction for the team. Despite being part of the squad since pre-season, Dhoni has not attended any matches so far, opting instead to stay behind the scenes while recovering from a calf injury.
Speaking ahead of the franchise's marquee clash against Mumbai Indians at Chepauk, Hussey explained that Dhoni consciously decided not to attend matches to avoid drawing excessive attention away from the playing group. Hussey noted that the cameras and crowd focus on the veteran leader could affect the team's concentration, leading Dhoni to make what the coach described as a selfless call to keep the spotlight on the active players.
Whether this approach is the right course of action was left to Dhoni's personal judgment rather than a coaching directive, with Hussey acknowledging that the rationale stemmed entirely from the captain's desire to ensure the best environment for the squad. The veteran remains deeply involved in the team's preparation, regularly attending training sessions and interacting with players despite his absence on match days.
Hussey provided a positive update on Dhoni's recovery, suggesting a return to full fitness could be imminent, though no firm timeline has been confirmed by the coaching staff. The coach indicated that improvements in running speed have been observed, noting that the calf injury was the primary sticking point for Dhoni's return to the playing XI.
While Hussey expressed confidence in Dhoni's batting and wicketkeeping skills, he cautioned that the final decision to clear Dhoni for action rests on his confidence in his calf's ability to maintain good running power. The coach speculated that a return could happen as soon as tomorrow or perhaps in the next match, but emphasised that this remains based on speculation rather than a confirmed medical clearance.
