MS Dhoni during a practice session. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: MS Dhoni could be on the verge of a much-anticipated return for Chennai Super Kings, with the veteran set to undergo a crucial fitness test ahead of their IPL 2026 clash against Delhi Capitals on Saturday.The 44-year-old has missed the opening matches of the season due to a calf strain sustained during the preparatory camp. With CSK reeling from three consecutive defeats, his possible comeback comes as a timely boost for a side searching for stability and leadership.

Fitness test to decide Dhoni’s comeback

According to an IndianExpress report, Dhoni will undergo a fitness assessment over the next two days, which will determine his availability for the Chepauk fixture. The franchise has so far adopted a cautious approach, resisting the temptation to rush him back despite his steady progress in training.Although Dhoni has not travelled with the squad for away matches and was absent at the stadium during the home game against Punjab Kings, he has remained actively involved in practice sessions. Ahead of that fixture, he spent considerable time batting at the MAC B ground and later trained at the main stadium nets without showing signs of discomfort.The signs have been encouraging, but the team management is keen to ensure full recovery before bringing him back into match action. If he clears the fitness test, Dhoni is likely to feature in what could be a turning point fixture for CSK.

Brevis edges closer, middle order boost likely

Alongside Dhoni, Dewald Brevis is also nearing a return after recovering from a side strain. The young middle-order batter has missed the first three matches but has been travelling with the squad, indicating progress in his rehabilitation.Head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed that Brevis is “closer” to regaining full fitness. “We hope he is going to be right for the next game. We have been conservative, and hopefully these next few days go as planned,” Fleming said.Brevis’ return would significantly strengthen a fragile middle order that has struggled for consistency in his absence.

Axar Patel (right) sits out IND vs SA T20 World Cup Super 8 match (ANI Photos)

India captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed that the team went with the same playing XI for the Super 8 game against South Africa on Sunday, which meant vice-captain Axar Patel was left out again, with Washington Sundar keeping his spot. After losing the toss, Surya admitted he wanted to bat first but accepted the toss result, calling Axar’s omission a tough call.

“I was actually looking to bat first, but it’s okay, and we’re happy to bowl first. It’s very harsh on Axar Patel, but we’re going with the same team – just a tactical decision, so no changes from the last game,” he said at the toss. The decision sparked strong reactions on social media, with many fans questioning Axar’s exclusion.“Can someone tell me, why Axar Patel is dropped with his OG T2OI performances?” One fan wrote on X.“I have another question, can somebody tell me why Washington Sundar is not bowling to David Miller, if he was selected over Axar with lefties excuse?Does anything make sense under Gambhir?”Similar sentiments among fans over the Axar Patel omission call followed.In the match, South Africa had a shaky start after opting to bat. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh struck early, reducing them to 20/3 in just four overs. However, David Miller and Dewald Brevis staged a strong comeback, attacking India’s bowlers and shifting the momentum.Miller took on Varun Chakravarthy and Arshdeep Singh with powerful boundaries, while Brevis joined in with aggressive shots against Washington Sundar and others. The pair added quick runs and pushed the scoring rate up, helping South Africa recover to 84/3 at the halfway stage. Nevertheless, South Africa posted a strong total of 187/7 in their 20 overs after choosing to bat against India. After losing early wickets, Miller (63 off 35) and Brevis (45 off 29) led a crucial recovery, while Stubbs (44* off 24) provided a late surge. Bumrah was the standout bowler with 3/15, supported by Arshdeep’s 2/28, but India still face a challenging chase.

Pakistan’s Usman Tariq (AP Photo)

The spotlight at the ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2026 has firmly shifted towards Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq, whose unusual action — marked by a statue-like pause at the crease — has sparked debate as much as it has baffled batters. The 28-year-old’s delivery stride, featuring a noticeable halt before release, has become one of the tournament’s most discussed elements, raising questions around legality, rhythm and the fine margins of modern spin bowling.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Tariq’s rise has not been without controversy. Critics have revisited past reports of suspect actions, pointing towards cricket’s long-standing “15-degree elbow flex” rule, which limits how much a bowler’s arm can straighten during delivery. Though twice reported during the Pakistan Super League, he was cleared after biomechanical testing at the National Cricket Academy Lahore.

Addressing the issue, Tariq insisted his action stems from a natural physical trait. “I have two elbows in my arm… my arm bends naturally. My bent arm is a biological issue,” he said, reiterating that testing validated his technique.What truly unsettles opponents, however, is the “long pause” that disrupts timing. Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed explained that the momentary halt breaks a batter’s concentration, making even routine deliveries unpredictable. The effect has been evident, with players like Cameron Green and Dewald Brevis among those visibly puzzled by Tariq’s release point and pace variations.

Despite the scrutiny, results have backed the spinner’s inclusion. He announced himself on the global stage with three wickets against the United States and boasts an impressive early T20I record, including a hat-trick in Rawalpindi. As the tournament progresses across spin-friendly conditions, Tariq’s unconventional action remains both Pakistan’s secret weapon and cricket’s hottest debate. Whether viewed as innovation or controversy, his long pause and biomechanical uniqueness have ensured that every delivery he bowls is watched with equal parts intrigue and suspicion.