CSK Playing XI for IPL Without MS Dhoni- Urvil Patel, Ayush Mhatre Both To Play?

MS Dhoni set to miss initial CSK matches in IPL 2026. Credits - AFP

IPL 2026 is set to blaze the centre stage with the tournament opener scheduled for March 28, and hours before the start of the season, the Chennai Super Kings made a massive statement over MS Dhoni’s unavailability. 

Dhoni is set to miss the initial few matches for CSK in IPL 2026, as he is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. The legendary cricketer is set to miss the action for the first two weeks, which would mean he will likely miss the first three games for Chennai. He might be available to play against the Delhi Capitals on April 11 at Chepauk, but there’s no official word on that. 

With MS Dhoni out of the picture for the initial three to four games, what options do CSK have? Will the pair of Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer- for whom Chennai broke the bank- get slotted in now? What.. Justice for Sarfaraz Khan? Urvil Patel can also be picked? Wait!!! Let’s see how CSK’s playing XI will be for their opener against Rajasthan Royals, without MS Dhoni. 

CSK's Likely Playing XI in IPL 2026

Top Order: Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ayush Mhatre

Since the day CSK traded Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran for Sanju Samson, there has been just one decision: Where will Sanju play? Ruturaj Gaikwad made it public at the Captains' meet that Samson will open the innings alongside the CSK captain. 

After Samson ended the 2026 T20 World Cup as the Player of the Tournament, the opening slot is where he belongs. With Samson and Gaikwad at the top, it would be the perfect blend of fire and ice for Chennai. 

Also Read: "IPL Over"- Twitter In Proper Meltdown As MS Dhoni Gets Ruled Out For CSK

Chennai are expected to slot in Ayush Mhatre at three. He was phenomenal opening the innings, but he will be asked to compromise the position for the two senior pros. Interestingly, the U19 World Cup-winning captain also batted at number three during India's triumph in Zimbabwe and Namibia earlier this year. 

Middle Order & All Rounders: Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Kartik Sharma, Urvil Patel, Prashant Veer

Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis select themselves in the middle order. Dube has been Chennai's go-to since he joined the Yellow Army in IPL 2022. Meanwhile, it was Brevis' introduction that turned things around for CSK last season. Although there can be a bit of debate about their numbers, the Indian all-rounder will bat at four, given he will be the first left-hander in their line-up. 

In the mini-auction ahead of IPL 2026, the Chennai-based franchise went all out to acquire two lesser-known Indian talents, i.e. Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer. They bought the two uncapped players for a whopping INR 14.20 crore, making them the joint-highest paid uncapped players in IPL history. Kartik, the designated keeper-batter, is expected to bat at number six, while the all-rounder will play at eight. 

Now onto the million-dollar question! With MS Dhoni out, it opens the number seven spot in CSK’s playing XI. Urvil Patel, who made his debut last season, played three games in IPL 2025 and showed his fiery batting. Although he was used at number three then, Urvil will be used as the designated finisher. 

Bowlers: Noor Ahmad, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed

Noor Ahmad and Khaleel Ahmed were the only positives in their bowling attack last season. The left-arm seamer bagged wickets upfront with the new ball, while Noor finished just one wicket behind last season's Purple Cap winner.  

Matt Henry has had a very brief IPL career, but he was bought by the Super Kings at INR 2.00 crore ahead of IPL 2026. He has reinvented himself over the last year, and the Kiwi is coming on the back of a brilliant T20 World Cup. Thus, he slots himself in over Jamie Overton. Akeal Hossien will likely be used as the Impact Player. 

CSK's Likely Playing XI in IPL 2026: Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Kartik Sharma, Urvil Patel, Prashant Veer, Noor Ahmad, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed

Impact Players: Akeal Hosein, Ramakrishnan Ghosh, Jamie Overton, Mukesh Choudhary, Sarfaraz Khan

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