Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be without their talisman MS Dhoni for the opening phase of IPL 2026, the franchise confirmed on Saturday. The former India and CSK captain is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain, making his participation in the initial matches uncertain.
The update comes just two days before CSK begin their campaign against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on Monday.
With Dhoni likely to miss the early games, Sanju Samson is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties. However, the franchise has not specified a timeline for Dhoni’s full recovery.
In an official statement posted on X, CSK said:
“MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of the TATA IPL 2026. Get well soon, Thala.”
CSK’s Early Fixtures
After their opener against Rajasthan, CSK are scheduled to face:
- Punjab Kings on April 3
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 5
- Delhi Capitals on April 11
Even if Dhoni regains fitness within two weeks, he is expected to miss at least the first four matches of the season.
Focus on Dhoni’s Future
With IPL 2026 kicking off on March 28, discussions around Dhoni’s future have intensified, with many wondering if this could be his final season. He is among a select group of players — alongside Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Manish Pandey — to have featured in all 19 editions of the tournament.
Since Samson’s arrival from Rajasthan via trade, speculation has grown that CSK may already be preparing for life after Dhoni, viewing him as a potential long-term successor.
Role and Team Dynamics
The 2011 World Cup-winning captain has also been advised against taking on the “impact substitute” role, with many believing his value lies in mentoring skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and guiding the team.
Last season, Dhoni’s batting position drew scrutiny as he often came in as low as No. 8. Despite that, he featured in all 14 matches, scoring 196 runs at an average of 24.50 with a strike rate of 135.17. He also resumed captaincy duties midway through the season after Gaikwad was ruled out with a hairline fracture.
CSK endured a difficult campaign, finishing at the bottom of the table for the first time in 18 years. If Dhoni returns to action this season, he will become the oldest Indian to feature in the IPL, surpassing Pravin Tambe.
