IPL 2026: CSK talisman MS Dhoni out for 2 weeks due to calf strain

IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings talisman MS Dhoni has been sidelined for the first two weeks of the Indian Premier League due to a calf injury. Dhoni will be missing several key matches for the franchise.

In Short

• CSK have been dealt with a huge injury blow
• MS Dhoni has been ruled out of first two weeks of the IPL
• Sanju Samson is expected to step up as the keeper of the franchise

Chennai Super Kings will not have the services of legendary MS Dhoni in the first two weeks of the Indian Premier League. Dhoni has been ruled out for the first few games due to a calf strain, confirmed the franchise on Saturday, March 28.

The legendary wicketkeeper batter, who has faced injury issues in recent years, is expected to miss the first four games of the IPL 2026 season for the franchise. In place of Dhoni, either Sanju Samson or Urvil Patel are expected to take over the wicketkeeping duties for the team.

WHICH IPL 2026 MATCHES WILL MS DHONI MISS?

Dhoni is expected to miss at least the first four games of the season during his recovery period:

• March 30: Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings
• April 3: Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings
• April 5: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings
• April 11: Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals

His absence will test CSK’s squad depth early in the season, particularly in terms of leadership and finishing ability.

Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, has continued to play exclusively in the IPL. Last season, he featured in all 14 matches, scoring 196 runs at a strike rate of over 135. He also briefly returned to captaincy after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out due to injury.

At 44, Dhoni remains one of the most influential figures in the league. If he returns later this season, he will become the oldest Indian to feature in the IPL, underlining both his longevity and importance to the franchise. For now, though, CSK will have to navigate the early phase without their biggest icon, with all eyes on how they adjust in his absence.

WHO KEEPS WICKETS IN ABSENCE OF MS DHONI?

Chennai Super Kings identified Sanju Samson as the successor of MS Dhoni. They traded him from Rajasthan Royals for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Samson, who will be opening the innings for CSK this season is expected to keep wickets for the team as well, having executed in the role in the T20 World Cup recently.

CSK can also opt to hand the keeping gloves to 27-year-old Urvil Patel as well, however, there are no indications of that at the moment.

CSK will play their first game of the season against Rajasthan Royals. The match is scheduled to be played at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on March 30.

- Ends