MS Dhoni in IPL 2025 (Source:AFP)Chennai Super Kings have been dealt an early blow ahead of the IPL 2026 season, with veteran wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni set to miss the opening phase due to a calf strain. This development has also ruled him out of the CSK's much-anticipated opener against the Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati.Former teammate Ravichandran Ashwin briefly spoke about MS Dhoni's injury and his absence from the travelling squad.MS Dhoni set to miss early IPL 2026 matches amid injury concernsCSK confirmed that the 44-year-old is undergoing rehabilitation in Chennai after sustaining the injury during a pre-season practice match. Initially expected to miss two weeks, recent reports (TOI) suggest MS Dhoni could be sidelined for up to six matches.Dhoni's decision not to travel with the squad has particularly caught attention. Known for staying with the team even when not match-fit, his absence from the CSK's Guwahati arrival marks a rare and unusual approach. It is important to note that this has also grown speculation about the seriousness of the injury and MS Dhoni's IPL retirement.The five-time IPL-winning captain has carefully managed his workload in recent years. After undergoing knee surgery following CSK's 2023 title triumph, Dhoni has adapted his batting role while remaining behind the stumps.R Ashwin finds MS Dhoni's absence 'Unusual'Speaking on his YouTube channel, R Ashwin admitted that Dhoni’s decision not to travel with the squad stood out, given his history.R Ashwin refrained from speculating too deeply but hinted that rehabilitation commitments might have influenced the decision. He emphasised that Dhoni has always been closely involved with the team environment.Also Read: CSK Predicted Playing XI Vs Rajasthan Royals, IPL 2026, Match 3- MS Dhoni Out, Who Will Replace Him?“That is his personal choice, Mahi usually does not do this. If he is in the squad, he travels. Maybe he might have done rehab also. But it is his personal choice, how can we give our opinion on that decision? But CSK’s fan base will definitely come for this game,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.“I will think of playing Sanju at No.3. But if you have already decided that Ruturaj and Samson will open, then you can think about playing Sarfaraz Khan. There is no need for Matthew Short to play, but you never know. I have seen him bowl in the practice games.What will be CSK’s combination without MS Dhoni?With MS Dhoni unavailable, CSK are expected to test new combinations early in the tournament. Players like Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad could play crucial roles as the team reshuffles its batting order.R Ashwin also suggested tactical flexibility, hinting that CSK could experiment with their lineup depending on match situations.“So these guys can go in that direction as well because Short has played at No.5, or at No.3 at times, and also gives you four overs. RR have Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, and Ravindra Jadeja, so CSK will need an off-spinner,” Ashwin concluded.Meanwhile, it is important to note that injuries have further increased CSK’s challenges, with pacer Nathan Ellis already ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring issue and Dewald Brevis likely to miss the first two to three matches for CSK."Dewald Brevis is likely to miss the first two to three games due to a side strain," Revsportz posted on social media.Also Read: Mahieka Sharma Performs Mom's Duty For Hardik Pandya Son In IPL 2026
