MS Dhoni hasn't played in IPL 2026 yet. Credits - AFP
Things are getting worse for the Chennai Super Kings in an already tough-going IPL 2026. After Khaleel Ahmed was ruled out of the season, MS Dhoni has been sidelined from taking part in the upcoming SRH vs CSK fixture this Saturday.
Dhoni was initially ruled out for the first two weeks of the IPL 2026 after sustaining a calf strain in the pre-season practice sessions. Along with Dewald Brevis, the legendary wicketkeeper was reportedly progressing nicely. Although the South African batter has regained full fitness, the 44-year-old has yet to get match-fit.
Meanwhile, MSD has started started training in the nets in light sessions, and he has travelled with the CSK unit to Hyderabad for their upcoming fixture at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
MS Dhoni to miss SRH vs CSK, not travels with team
As reported by Cricbuzz, the 44-year-old MS Dhoni won't take part in the SRH vs CSK match of the IPL 2026.
"The 44-year-old (MS Dhoni) is still not match-fit and remains unlikely to feature in Saturday's (April 18) fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad," the report stated.
Also Read: Mumbai Indians Announce Replacement For Injured Star
Interestingly, CSK have played two away so far this season, and Dhoni has been absent from the CSK squad in both fixtures - against Rajasthan and Bengaluru.
There is no official timeline for MS Dhoni's return, but the CSK keeper is expected to play in one of their next matches, either against the Mumbai Indians (away) or the the Gujarat Titans (home).
Who is keeping for CSK in MS Dhoni's absence?
Although Chennai are not missing MS Dhoni the keeper, the five-time champions are surely missing his tactical genius on the field. In his absence, Sanju Samson is donning the keeper’s gloves for CSK.
Meanwhile, the Chennai-based team also used the young and talented wicketkeeper Kartik Sharma in the initial few matches, not as a keeper but as a lower-middle-order batter. However, Kartik’s string of low scores led him to lose place after three outings.
Concerning factor for CSK before SRH match
After starting on a rather poor note, losing three on the trot, the Super Kings made a turnaround against the Delhi Capitals at Chepauk. Thanks to Sanju Samson’s special century, CSK outsmarted the Capitals, before they thrashed the Kolkata Knight Riders, again at home.
As Chennai went gung-ho with the bat, Samson scored 48 runs at the the top, while Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Breivis and Sarfaraz Khan all played timely cameos. Later in the defence, Noor Ahmad regained his form with a solid three-for as Chennai restricted KKR to 160/7 in the chase of 193 runs.
CSK are yet to win an away game in the IPL 2026, and they are short of runs from their skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad. Having said that, there is an outside noise to swap Mhatre as an opener and demote Gaikwad to number 3. Meanwhile, they need to find an apt replacement for their new-ball weapon, Khaleel Ahmed, as well.
Also Read: Khaleel Ahmed Replacements- Players Who Walk In CSK Directly For IPL 2026
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