Chennai: MS Dhoni is set to miss the opening phase of the Indian Premier League 2026 season after Chennai Super Kings confirmed that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter is undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain.
The development comes just days before CSK begin their campaign against the Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, raising concerns among fans about the team’s early momentum in the tournament.
In an official update, the franchise stated that Dhoni is unlikely to feature in the first two weeks of the competition as he continues his recovery. While no exact return date has been provided, the 44-year-old is expected to miss at least the initial set of matches.
With Dhoni sidelined, Sanju Samson is anticipated to take over wicketkeeping duties for CSK. Samson’s inclusion earlier through a trade had already sparked discussions about leadership transition within the squad, and his role may now become more prominent in Dhoni’s absence.
CSK’s early fixtures include clashes against Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Capitals. Even in a best-case recovery scenario, Dhoni could miss up to four matches before making a return.
The news adds another layer to ongoing speculation about Dhoni’s future in the league. A stalwart of the IPL since its inception, he remains one of the few players to have featured in every season alongside Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Manish Pandey.
As CSK prepare to begin their title quest without their long-time leader, the focus will be on how the team adapts in the early stages and whether Dhoni can make a timely comeback later in the season.
