The development was formally communicated by Chennai Super Kings on March 28, just ahead of their IPL 2026 campaign. The franchise shared the update through their official handles on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and other platforms, making it clear that the decision was precautionary and medically guided.
In their official statement, 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 IPL.”
This confirmation came directly from the franchise, with no prior player interview or press conference hinting at the injury.
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Which matches does Dhoni expect to miss?
Based on the official IPL schedule, Dhoni is set to miss the first four matches of CSK’s campaign. These fixtures fall squarely within the recovery period mentioned in the franchise statement.
vs Rajasthan Royals (March 30)
vs Punjab Kings (April 3)
vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (April 5)
vs Delhi Capitals (April 11)
These are crucial early fixtures, and his absence will test the team’s depth and adaptability right at the start of the season.
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If the rehabilitation progresses as planned, Dhoni is likely to return around mid-April. A potential comeback fixture could be against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 14.
However, insiders suggest that Chennai Super Kings will not rush his return and will instead base the decision entirely on medical clearance. Given Dhoni’s importance to the team, even a slight risk of aggravation could delay his comeback further.
When was the last time MS Dhoni missed an IPL match?
The upcoming absence is significant because MS Dhoni has built a reputation for exceptional durability throughout his IPL career.
Before 2026, Dhoni last missed a match due to a back spasm on April 17, 2019, against SRH, continuing his miss in another match due to high fever against MI on April 26, 2019.
Across multiple seasons, Dhoni has consistently featured in the playing XI, often leading from the front and playing through minor discomforts. This makes his absence at the start of IPL 2026 particularly noteworthy, as it breaks a long-standing pattern of near-continuous participation.
