The countdown is on for Chennai Super Kings fans, and the burning question is finally getting some answers: Will MS Dhoni make his long-awaited return to the IPL 2026 season? CSK batting coach Michael Hussey has just dropped a promising update that has the entire city of Chennai buzzing with excitement.

Dhoni has been sidelined for the past three weeks due to a calf injury, but Hussey confirmed that the legendary former skipper is making "steady progress" in his recovery. Speaking on the eve of CSK's high-voltage clash against Mumbai Indians at Chepauk, Hussey shared, "Hopefully he'll be back as soon as possible. I don't know if it's tomorrow or the next match after that, but he's progressing really well."

The key focus isn't on Dhoni's batting or wicketkeeping skills—those remain as sharp as ever. Instead, the team is zeroing in on his running fitness, especially for those crucial final overs. "He's been upping his running speeds, and that was the sticking point," Hussey explained. "We need him to maintain good running power for those ones and twos at the back end of an inning. Once he feels confident in his calf, I'm sure he'll give the green light."

As always, the final decision rests with Dhoni himself. "We're guided by him," Hussey added. "All of Chennai is waiting."

Interestingly, Dhoni has deliberately stayed away from the dugout during matches to avoid distracting the team. "He's such a team-oriented guy," Hussey revealed. "He was worried that if he came, the cameras would be on him, and the crowd would cheer—he wanted the team to just focus on their game."

For now, the cricketing world holds its breath. With Dhoni's recovery on track and his trademark calm guiding the process, a return to the field seems closer than ever. Whether it's tomorrow or the next match, one thing is certain: when he's ready, the roar at Chepauk will be unforgettable.