MS Dhoni for CSK. Image Credits: AFP
In a big setback, MS Dhoni has been ruled out for the first two weeks of the IPL 2026 for CSK. The tournament is set to begin on Saturday, March 28, and Chennai Super Kings will start their campaign on March 30 against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Monday evening.
However, on Saturday morning, CSK released an official statement explaining the situation. They said that Dhoni is currently recovering from a calf strain and is undergoing rehabilitation. Therefore, he is expected to miss the opening matches of the season.
MS Dhoni Out Announce CSK
The franchise wrote, "MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of TATA IPL 2026. Get well soon, Thala! 💛🦁"
Not having MS Dhoni for the first two weeks will be a major setback for CSK. Dhoni has been a key player and the backbone of the team for many years. While he is not the captain now, he still plays a very important role in guiding the players and helping with decisions on the field.
A few days earlier, during a training session at Chepauk, fans noticed something concerning. Cameras captured the legendary wicketkeeper-batter looking uncomfortable. He was walking around the pitch with a noticeable limp.
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MS Dhoni did not look completely injured, however his movement showed that he was not fully fit and was not moving freely.
Over the past few seasons, Dhoni has faced multiple injuries. Despite a knee injury in the 2023 season, he still led CSK to their fifth IPL title after defeating Gujarat Titans in the final.
Sanju Samson to replace MS Dhoni as wicketkeeper
With the arrival of Sanju Samson through a big trade, the team now has a strong wicketkeeping option. Therefore, Samson will most likely do the wicketkeeping in Dhoni’s absence.
After their opening match against Rajasthan Royals, CSK are scheduled to play against Punjab Kings on April 3, followed by a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 5, and then against Delhi Capitals on April 11.
Even if Dhoni recovers within two weeks, he is still expected to miss these first four matches. However, he is likely to return on April 14, when CSK face KKR at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
MS Dhoni’s IPL 2025 performance
In IPL 2025, Dhoni scored 196 runs at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17. The former CSK captain played all 14 matches last season.
Since retiring from international cricket in 2020, he has only played in the IPL. Even now, he remains one of the most respected and valuable players in the tournament.
It is also important to note that Dhoni remains the most capped player in IPL history and is one of only four players to play in all seasons of the tournament. In 278 matches, Dhoni has scored 5439 runs and has also completed 205 dismissals as a wicketkeeper.
