CSK’s MS Dhoni Likely To Miss Early IPL 2026 Matches Due To Fitness Issues

March 28, 2026: Former India and Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni has suffered a calf strain and will miss the first two weeks of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, the franchise said in a statement.

The 19th season of the IPL will begin on Saturday, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

CSK will start their campaign on Monday against the Rajasthan Royals. However, Dhoni, who has led the team to five titles, will miss the first few matches due to his injury.

“MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026,” the franchise said.

Official Statement

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! 💛🦁 pic.twitter.com/4dgmt5EWFi

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 28, 2026

CSK adjust plans as Dhoni recovers

Earlier, CSK shared a practice video from the MA Chidambaram Stadium where Dhoni was seen batting well and hitting big shots. Despite this, the team has decided to rest him for recovery.

With Dhoni unavailable, Sanju Samson is likely to take up wicketkeeping duties in the first few matches. CSK will look to stay strong as they aim for a record sixth IPL title.

Samson, who earlier captained Rajasthan Royals, joined CSK before the season. Meanwhile, Sam Curran has also been ruled out of IPL 2026 due to injury.

It will also be interesting to see Samson and Ravindra Jadeja play against their former team when Rajasthan Royals face CSK on Monday at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.

Dhoni’s future in focus amid fitness concerns

It has been talked about for a long time that this season could be the last for MS Dhoni in the Indian Premier League. His knee problem has continued, and his fitness is not the same as before. During the ‘ROAR 26’ event at Chepauk, Dhoni himself said that his fitness “is on the way down.”

Because of his fitness and age, Dhoni now bats lower in the order. He comes in during the final overs, hits big shots, and avoids putting too much pressure on his body. This also keeps fans, known as the “Thala Kingdom,” excited.

At the same time, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been leading Chennai Super Kings, and the team has added new players like Sanju Samson. They also spent a big amount on young wicketkeeper Kartik Sharma. These moves suggest that the team is preparing for the future after Dhoni.

Dhoni has played 278 matches in the IPL and scored 5,439 runs in 242 innings. He has an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45, with 24 half-centuries and a best score of 84 not out. He is the sixth-highest run scorer in IPL history.

Last season, when CSK finished at the bottom, Dhoni scored 196 runs in 13 innings. He had an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of over 135, with a best score of 30 not out.