MS Dhoni could miss the opening phase of IPL 2026 as he recovers from a calf strain. Chennai Super Kings confirmed on the morning of the season opener that the 44-year-old is currently undergoing rehabilitation.
The injury leaves CSK without their most iconic player for what could be four matches at the start of the tournament. CSK begin their campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 in Guwahati.
What Injury Is Keeping MS Dhoni Out
CSK released a statement confirming Dhoni is dealing with a calf injury and undergoing rehab. The recovery timeline suggests he could miss approximately two weeks of action. Dhoni has battled a persistent knee issue over the past few years, but has always featured in the CSK lineup despite playing exclusively in the IPL.
He led the franchise to its fifth title in 2023 and remains the most capped player in IPL history with 278 matches.
Which Matches Could Dhoni Miss for CSK
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| March 30 | Rajasthan Royals | Guwahati |
| April 3 | Punjab Kings | Chennai |
| April 5 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Bengaluru |
| April 11 | Delhi Capitals | Chennai |
CSK has enough wicketkeeping cover in Dhoni’s absence. Sanju Samson, who captain Ruturaj Gaikwad confirmed as his opening partner, will handle duties behind the stumps. Kartik Sharma and Urvil Patel offer additional backup options.
What Does Dhoni’s Absence Mean for CSK
Dhoni turns 45 this year, and speculation about this being his final IPL season has grown louder. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan had earlier confirmed Dhoni would play all matches this season, but left his exact role undecided. The calf injury now delays that clarity even further.
CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs last season and desperately needs a strong start to their campaign. Losing Dhoni’s experience and match awareness in the early fixtures adds pressure on captain Gaikwad and the rest of the batting unit to deliver from the first ball in Guwahati.
