MS Dhoni to Miss Initial Matches of IPL 2026 Due to Injury: What This Means for CSK

MS Dhoni, the legendary captain of Chennai Super Kings, has been ruled out for the first two weeks of IPL 2026 due to a calf strain. This injury raises concerns for CSK as they prepare to defend their title. The tournament kicks off with RCB facing SRH, while CSK's opener against Rajasthan Royals looms. With Dhoni sidelined, wicketkeeping duties may fall to Samson, who was recently traded to CSK. The upcoming matches will be crucial for the team as they aim for a record sixth title. Stay tuned for updates on Dhoni's recovery and CSK's performance in the initial games.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 28, 2026, 12:24 IST

MS Dhoni's Injury Update

New Delhi: MS Dhoni, the former captain of India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has suffered a calf strain, leading to his exclusion from the first two weeks of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, as confirmed by the franchise.

The tournament's 19th season is set to kick off on Saturday, with the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), facing off against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.

CSK is scheduled to begin their campaign on Monday against the Rajasthan Royals, the inaugural champions. However, Dhoni, who has guided CSK to five IPL titles, will be sidelined for the initial matches.

The franchise stated on Saturday, "MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. Consequently, he is expected to miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026."

Earlier in the day, CSK released a video showcasing a practice match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, where Dhoni batted while Samson kept wickets. The 44-year-old displayed impressive shots, clearing the boundary multiple times.

With Dhoni unavailable, Samson is likely to take on wicketkeeping duties for CSK in the early matches as they strive for a record sixth IPL title. Samson, who was previously the captain of RR, was traded to CSK after the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side exchanged all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

While the English all-rounder is out of IPL 2026 due to injury, it will be intriguing to see how Samson and Jadeja perform against their former teams on Monday when RR faces CSK at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.