Chennai Super Kings talisman MS Dhoni will miss the initial matches of IPL 2026, the franchise confirmed on Saturday.
According to an official statement, the former India and CSK captain is undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain, making him unavailable for the opening phase of the tournament. The update comes just two days before CSK’s campaign opener against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on Monday.
With Dhoni unlikely to feature, Sanju Samson is set to take over wicketkeeping duties. The franchise has not specified a timeline for Dhoni’s full recovery.
“Official Statement. 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 said in a post on X.
After facing Rajasthan Royals, CSK are scheduled to play Punjab Kings (April 3), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (April 5) and Delhi Capitals (April 11). Even if Dhoni recovers within two weeks, he is expected to miss at least the first four matches of the season.
Ahead of IPL 2026, which began on March 28, much of the discussion has centred on Dhoni’s future and whether this season could be his last. He is among only four players — alongside Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Manish Pandey — to have played all 19 seasons of the league.
Speculation around succession has intensified since Samson joined CSK from Rajasthan, with many viewing him as a potential long-term replacement.
There has also been debate over whether Dhoni could feature as an impact substitute. However, the 2011 World Cup-winning captain has been advised against it, with suggestions that his experience is more valuable in mentoring skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad.
In IPL 2025, Dhoni’s batting position came under scrutiny as he batted as low as No. 8 in some matches. He played all 14 games last season, scoring 196 runs at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17. He also resumed captaincy midway after Gaikwad was ruled out due to injury.
For the first time in 18 years, CSK finished at the bottom of the table. If Dhoni returns this season, he will become the oldest Indian player to feature in the IPL, surpassing Praveen Tambe.