Delhi: The seventh match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is to be played between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Friday, i.e. 3 April. This match will be played at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Chennai had lost its first match badly in the absence of veteran wicketkeeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Since then, fans have been waiting to see when Dhoni is going to return to the field. Dhoni could not play the match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) due to injury. Before the match against Punjab, Dhoni was seen participating in a training session.

Dhoni was seen participating in the practice session

Last week, Chennai had issued an official statement saying that Dhoni is going through the rehabilitation process due to calf injury. It was also told in the statement that Dhoni will not be seen playing any match for two weeks due to injury. However, Dhoni has returned to the field. Dhoni was seen participating in the practice session before the match against Punjab. During this, Dhoni practiced hitting big hits and was also seen doing fitness drills. However, Dhoni did not practice wicketkeeping.

Will Dhoni play against Punjab or not?

Chennai had already told in its official statement that Dhoni will not be seen playing any match for two weeks. Even though Dhoni was seen participating in the practice session, he is still not completely fit. In place of Dhoni, Sanju Samson will be seen handling the role of wicketkeeping. However, Dhoni’s return to the practice session definitely indicates that he wants to return to the field fully fit as soon as possible.