Indian Premier League 2026: MS Dhoni will miss the opening phase of the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL) season due to a calf strain, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) confirmed on Saturday, March 28, 2026. According to the reports, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter is undergoing rehabilitation and is expected to be sidelined for at least the first two weeks of the tournament, dealing an early setback to the five-time champions.
“MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of the TATA IPL 2026. Get well soon, Thala,” the franchise said in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.
In Dhoni’s absence, Sanju Samson will take over wicketkeeping duties. The franchise is expected to rely heavily on Samson, who joined from the Rajasthan Royals and recently earned Player of the Tournament honors in India’s T20 World Cup triumph.
Chennai is set to open its campaign against Rajasthan in Guwahati on March 30 before facing Punjab Kings (April 3), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (April 5) and Delhi Capitals (April 11). Even with a quick recovery, Dhoni is likely to miss at least the first four matches.
The 44-year-old endured a modest IPL season last year, scoring 196 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.50. He resumed captaincy duties after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out with an elbow injury, but Chennai finished last with four wins.
Despite recurring fitness concerns, Dhoni remains central to the franchise. He led Chennai to its fifth title in 2023 and is closing in on a milestone, set to become the oldest Indian to feature in the IPL, surpassing Praveen Tambe.
Dhoni is among the league’s most accomplished players, with more than 5,400 runs in 278 matches at an average of 38.30. He is also one of only four players — alongside Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Manish Pandey — to have featured in every edition of the IPL.
With growing speculation that this could be Dhoni’s final season, Samson’s arrival has intensified discussions about a long-term transition within the Chennai squad.
