MS Dhoni Set to Miss Opening Fortnight of IPL 2026
MS Dhoni Set to Miss Opening Fortnight of IPL 2026
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will begin their IPL 2026 campaign without their iconic captain, MS Dhoni, who has been ruled out for the first two weeks following a calf strain, the franchise confirmed in a statement. The 44-year-old, who has been a cornerstone of CSK’s success with five IPL titles, will miss at least the opening four matches of the season.
The team is set to face the inaugural champions, Rajasthan Royals, in their season opener on March 30 at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. Dhoni’s absence will place the responsibility of leadership and wicketkeeping on other squad members, testing the team’s depth early in the season.
CSK shared a glimpse of Dhoni during a practice match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, where he displayed his trademark finishing skills and powerful strokes despite the injury. However, the franchise confirmed he is now undergoing a rehabilitation program, making him unavailable for the first two weeks.
With Dhoni sidelined, Sanju Samson, who was traded from Rajasthan Royals to CSK in exchange for all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, is expected to take over the wicketkeeping duties. Samson, who also opens the batting, recently showcased his keeping skills in the T20 World Cup and is likely to take charge behind the stumps in Dhoni’s absence. Another option for CSK is 27-year-old Urvil Patel, though no official indication has been given about him taking over.
Official Statement
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 28, 2026
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! 💛🦁 pic.twitter.com/4dgmt5EWFi
Dhoni’s absence will impact CSK’s strategy significantly, especially in finishing games and guiding the team in pressure situations. The matches he is expected to miss include:
- March 30: Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings
- April 3: Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings
- April 5: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings
- April 11: Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals
The situation also sets up an intriguing storyline as Samson and Jadeja face their former franchises in these early games, with the former RR captain now tasked with leading CSK’s middle order and wicketkeeping responsibilities.
Since retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni has focused exclusively on the IPL, consistently making significant contributions for CSK. Last season, he featured in all 14 matches, scoring 196 runs at a strike rate exceeding 135. His brief return to captaincy last season, following an injury to Ruturaj Gaikwad, highlighted his continued influence on the team.
At 44, Dhoni remains one of the most respected figures in the league. His eventual return later in the season would see him set records as the oldest Indian to play in the IPL, underlining both his longevity and enduring importance to CSK. For now, the team will have to navigate the early fixtures without their talisman, relying on a mix of young talent and experienced players to maintain their quest for a historic sixth IPL title.
