Will Sanju Samson remain CSK keeper after MS Dhoni's return? Batting coach clears air: 'If he comes in...'

MS Dhoni is yet to make a stride in the IPL 2026 season with the Chennai Super Kings. The famed wicketkeeper-batter was ruled out before the season kicked off because of a calf injury, with Sanju Samson performing the duties behind the stumps in his absence.

The fans had a glimmer of hope when CSK's socials showed Dhoni training with the team ahead of their match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. But skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad confirmed MSD will not be in action at the IPL's 'El Clásico', which they ended up winning by a handsome margin of 103 runs.

As Dhoni nears his IPL return, CSK’s batting coach has shared insights on Samson’s status as wicketkeeper.

Hussey speaks on Sanju's status as keeper after MSD's return

Michael Hussey has revealed that Dhoni would take over wicket-keeping duties once he is back in action. But he also pointed out that MSD has to be careful when running between wickets and make sure his calf pushes through it.

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The CSK batting coach added that Dhoni is batting well during training, and they need to get confidence in the calf.

"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 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, he's batting really well, so it's just hopefully getting that confidence in the calf," Hussey said to the broadcaster during a mid-match interview.

Samson has been impactful for CSK

Sanju Samson has been impressive in his maiden stint with CSK in IPL 2026 so far. After settling in with a couple of low scores, Samson hit back strongly with a power-packed hundred against the Delhi Capitals.

On Thursday, Sanju continued his outlandish form against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, scoring an unbeaten 101 with 10 boundaries and 6 sixes, playing a key role in his team's morale-boosting win. 

Despite Dhoni’s imminent return, Samson is expected to remain in CSK’s playing lineup as an opener. The Super Kings will face the Gujarat Titans next on Sunday, April 26, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.