![MS Dhoni [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1774778114864_cskmsdhoniinjuryupdate.jpg?type=hq)
MS Dhoni [Source: AFP]
In a significant development, the latest MS Dhoni injury update reveals that his comeback will be delayed further, as the legendary cricketer recovers from an injury setback.
The former Indian captain has been ruled out of CSK's season opener against the Rajasthan Royals and might be out for an extended period.
MS Dhoni had joined the Chennai Super Kings camp and started preparations for the IPL 2026. Like their rivals, the Super Kings also held intra-squad matches to gear up for the showpiece event.
While several players like Urvil Patel, Sarfaraz Khan and Sanju Samson made the most of the opportunity to fine-tune their skills, Dhoni suffered an injury setback, which effectively ruled him out of the initial matches.
MS Dhoni injury sidelines him from CSK vs RR match
Led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, the Chennai Super Kings are set to kick off their IPL 2026 campaign with a riveting clash against the Rajasthan Royals. CSK were miserable across all fronts in the previous season, finishing tenth in the points table with four victories.
So, with their reputation at stake, the Super Kings would be desperate to bounce back and bag their sixth IPL title.
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Ahead of their season opener, the Chennai-based franchise sustained a massive injury blow, with MS Dhoni ruled out of the contest due to a calf injury.
According to CSK's official press release, Dhoni has been sidelined from the tournament for two weeks. He hasn't travelled to Guwahati, where the Super Kings will take on the Royals.
However, in the latest sequence of events, a fresh MS Dhoni injury update has emerged, claiming the talismanic keeper-batter will be out for an extended period.
MS Dhoni injury update rules out CSK maestro for six IPL 2026 matches
The latest MS Dhoni injury update suggests that the former Indian cricketer will be out of action for at least six IPL 2026 matches due to the calf injury. As reported by the Times of India, Dhoni will require more time than two weeks to recover from the injury.
The report states that Chennai's beloved Thala is unlikely to make a comeback to competitive cricket before the last week of April. Therefore, he might miss as many as six matches for the five-time champions in the tournament.
After taking on the Royals, the Super Kings will cross swords against Punjab Kings, RCB, Delhi Capitals, KKR and Sunrisers Hyderabad in their subsequent five games.
According to the TOI report, Dhoni won't likely play these matches, with his comeback for the seventh group-stage encounter against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians also being doubtful.
What will be CSK playing XI without MS Dhoni?
With the MS Dhoni injury update set to rule him out of as many as six IPL 2026 matches, Sanju Samson is expected to replace him as the wicketkeeper of the Super Kings.
Ruturaj Gaikwad has already confirmed that Samson will open the batting with him. There could be a toss-up between Urvil Patel and Ayush Mhatre for the number three slot, with Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer likely to form the middle order.
CSK likely XI without MS Dhoni- Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Urvil Patel/Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Khaleel Ahmed, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj
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