No Dhoni for opening matches? CSK's IPL 2026 plans take a hit

MS Dhoni is set to miss the early part of IPL 2026, dealing a setback to Chennai Super Kings ahead of the new season.

Injury setback before season start

Chennai Super Kings confirmed on March 28 in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that Dhoni is undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of the tournament.

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In the official statement 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 TATA IPL 2026. Get well soon, Thala!"

CSK will open their campaign against the Rajasthan Royals on March 30 in Guwahati. If the recovery timeline holds, Dhoni could return around mid-April, potentially for matches against the Delhi Capitals or the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Wicketkeeping options in focus

In Dhoni's absence, CSK may look to Sanju Samson for wicketkeeping duties. Samson was brought into the squad ahead of the IPL 2026 auction through a trade deal involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran moving to Rajasthan Royals.

The move had already drawn attention as part of CSK's transition planning, and Dhoni's injury could accelerate Samson's role in the playing XI.

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Dhoni's recent IPL form

Despite retiring from international cricket in August 2020, Dhoni has remained a key figure in the IPL. Last season, he played all 14 matches for CSK, scoring 196 runs at an average of 24.5 and a strike rate of 135.17.

He also stepped in as captain early in the campaign after an elbow injury ruled out regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Chennai Super Kings will be aiming for a turnaround after a difficult 2025 season, where they finished at the bottom of the table with four wins from 14 games.

At 44, Dhoni's participation this season carries added significance. Any appearance would make him the oldest Indian player to feature in the IPL, surpassing Pravin Tambe.