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

MS Dhoni. Image Credits: AFP

The Chennai Super Kings have suffered a major setback ahead of the start of the IPL 2026. IPL and CSK’s face MS Dhoni has been ruled out of the first two weeks due to a calf strain. The franchise confirmed the news on Saturday through an official statement, leaving fans disappointed just days before the opening match.

It is important to note that the IPL 2026 is all set to begin on March 28 with RCB taking on SRH at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

MS Dhoni set to miss first 2 weeks of IPL 2026

According to CSK, MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation and will not be available for the initial phase of the tournament (first two weeks).

The team is set to begin its campaign against the Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Monday. His absence means he is likely to miss at least the first four matches, including games against the Punjab Kings, RCB, and Delhi Capitals.

Concerns about MS Dhoni's fitness had already started earlier in the week during a training session in Chennai. It was noticed that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter was not moving freely and appeared to have a slight limp. 

Also Read: CSK Full IPL Schedule 2026: Fixtures, Venues, Full Squad, Date and Time

While it did not seem like a serious injury at the time, the latest update has confirmed that he is not fully fit to take the field.

In MS Dhoni’s absence, Sanju Samson is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties for CSK. The franchise, however, has not given a clear timeline for Dhoni’s return, and his availability will depend on how well he recovers in the coming days.

Fans react to MS Dhoni's injury

With MS Dhoni out for CSK for the initial weeks, fans have taken to social media to express their emotions, with many saying the tournament feels incomplete without "Thala." In this article, let's take a look at a few Twitter reactions on how fans are reacting to this big news.

Giri

@giris4u

@ChennaiIPL IPL starts… but it doesn’t feel complete without Thala on the field 💛

Gujjubhai

@cagujjubhai

@ChennaiIPL 44 years old. Calf strain. Still the only man CSK releases an "Official Statement" for. The IPL without Dhoni opening week is like a stock market without its anchor stock — everything trades on sentiment. ભાઈ, ધોની વગરની CSK એ ગોળ વગરનો શીરો — બને ખરો, પણ મજા ન આવે. Get well

Crypto Odia

@crypto_odia_

@ChennaiIPL 🤡 jhut bolne ki seema hoti hai Humko pata hai prev year kya hua tha rutu ke sath ? This is the end of Ms Dhoni.

𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓵 𝓬𝓻𝓲𝓬𝓴𝓮𝓽

@Realcricket77

@ChennaiIPL @Swastikthakur08 IPL is over for us

👑MS Dhoni Fan👑

@Rohit1420521599

@ChennaiIPL This can never happen. Let the CSK management do whatever they want. I am very angry. Dhoni will have to play, i am waiting from last year. Do anything to play him as an impact player, but I want to see Dhoni.CSK management should answer why they cheated ? 💔😠😭

Tarun Kumar

@tarunk6952

@ChennaiIPL This is the worst season starting No ipl opening ceremony No Thala in the starting matches 😭

Cricket Insider

@PriceTickerX

@ChennaiIPL IPL without Thala just doesn’t feel the same. 💔 2 weeks feel like an eternity when we’re waiting for that 7 PM entry. Take your time, Mahi. The roar at Chepauk will be ten times louder when you return! 🦁💛 #MSDhoni #IPL2026 #CSK #Thala

However, it is important to note that most of the fans have mentioned good things about Dhoni and wished him good luck for his recovery. Several fans have said it's time for MS Dhoni to retire and give young players the chance to represent CSK.

Liverpool Fnatic

@LiverpoolFnatic

@ChennaiIPL Grandpa needs to retire. And stop taking limelight

Shubham Gupta

@sHUBHam99289

@ChennaiIPL Don’t come back ! Finally Sanju’s luck overpowered MSD Luck

Shubh Aggarwal

@shubhagg266

@ChennaiIPL Nothing, He's just afraid from humiliation on 5th April.

Dhoni's numbers in IPL 2025

The 44-year-old had a modest season last year with the bat, scoring 196 runs in 13 innings. He also stepped in as captain after Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered an injury, but CSK finished at the bottom of the table with only four wins. Despite this, Dhoni remains the heart and soul of the team and one of the most loved players in the league.

MS Dhoni has played 278 matches in the IPL. The star player has scored 5439 runs at an average of 38.30 and a strike-rate of 137.45.

As CSK prepare to start their season without their biggest star, all eyes will now be on MS Dhoni’s recovery and when he can return to action.

CSK's full schedule in IPL 2026

Also Read: Rohit Sharma's Old Asset Shockingly Joins Mumbai Indians A Day Before IPL Opener