The Chennai Super Kings have no plan to use MS Dhoni as an Impact Sub, and the veteran will keep wickets for the side once he is ready to start.
MS Dhoni, 44, suffered an injury which ruled him out at the beginning of the season. Ever since, the CSK fanbase has been waiting for their superstar's return.
Dhoni has been training recently, meaning he is recovering well from a calf injury. Ahead of the game against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede on Thursday, he was seen donning the wicketkeeping gloves and even doing batting drills. However, it was Sanju Samson who was behind the stumps yet again for the side, and Dhoni did not make the playing eleven or the list of Impact Subs.
Given his age, Dhoni could be used as an Impact Player, as a cameo role can reduce the workload for the senior player. However, CSK have ruled out this possibility and stated that the former captain will be part of the playing eleven, as always, in due course.
According to CSK batting coach Michael Hussey, having suffered a calf injury, Dhoni needs time to be back at his best. Coming down the order ahead of tail-enders means he cannot compromise on running between the wickets. Thus, the team needs to be sure before he is sent out to bat, Hussey said.
“I'm pretty sure he'll be behind the stumps. The biggest thing for him is that 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,” said Hussey.
“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,” he added.
The former Australia batter also revealed Dhoni's recovery status. “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 him, MS Dhoni, out there playing as well. So we're hopeful, maybe in the next few games, but we want him back as quickly as he possibly can as well,” said Hussey.
“But obviously, he needs to be close to 100 per cent ready to give his best because he's been batting well in the nets; he looks good in the nets."
CSK are currently fifth in the points table, with six points from seven matches. New arrival Sanju Samson's form has been key to their campaign after a horror start.