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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: The big question dominating the build-up to Chennai Super Kings\u2019 high-voltage clash against Mumbai Indians is simple \u2014 will MS Dhoni finally play in IPL 2026?CSK batting coach Michael Hussey has offered an encouraging update, revealing that the former skipper is making steady progress in his recovery from a calf injury that has kept him out for the past three weeks.\u201cHopefully he\u2019ll be back as soon as possible. I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s tomorrow or it\u2019s maybe the next match after that, but he\u2019s progressing really well,\u201d Hussey said on the eve of the clash at Chepauk.Recovery on track, but final call with Dhoni<\/span>Hussey emphasised that while Dhoni\u2019s skills remain intact, the focus has been on regaining full running fitness \u2014 especially crucial in the final overs of an innings.\u201cI know he\u2019s been upping his running speeds and that was probably the sticking point. I think we\u2019re very confident from a skill perspective with his batting and his wicketkeeping,\u201d Hussey explained.\u201cBut it was just making sure that he could maintain good running power, particularly towards the back end of an inning where he\u2019s going to have to scan for those ones and twos. So as soon as he\u2019s got the confidence in his calf, then I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll give it the tick to ready to go.\u201dThe decision, however, ultimately rests with Dhoni himself. \u201cOnce he feels confident in his calf, I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll give the signal that he\u2019s ready to go. At the moment, we\u2019re guided by him. We\u2019re waiting. I think all of Chennai is waiting,\u201d Hussey added.Staying away to avoid distractions<\/span>Interestingly, Dhoni has not been present in the dugout during matches \u2014 a deliberate choice to keep the spotlight away from the team.\u201cHe\u2019s such a team-orientated guy, MS Dhoni. He always wants what\u2019s best for the team and he was worried that if he came, there\u2019d be a bit too much of a distraction,\u201d Hussey revealed.\u201cObviously, the cameras would be on him a lot. The crowd would be cheering for him\u2026 he really wanted the team to just be able to go about their job.\u201dDespite his absence on match days, Dhoni remains actively involved behind the scenes. \u201cHe\u2019s been watching very closely back home. He\u2019s at training all the time\u2026 a bubbly personality and offers a lot of his experience,\u201d Hussey said.<\/div>\n\n