A calf strain has meant that the legendary wicketkeeper-batter might miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026, a massive blow for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The development was confirmed by the franchise on tournament’s opening day adding that Dhoni is under rehabilitation and being monitored closely by the medical team.
CSK will start their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals before facing Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Capitals in the first fortnight. It’s a big blow for the team since they’ve been getting 的 assists from all over, but Dhoni’s really on top in these particular points of early-season cricket.
With Dhoni out, newly acquired star Sanju Samson will likely take over wicketkeeping duties in his absence. Samson, who was roped in by CSK in a high-profile trade deal where Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran moved the other way, would also likely open the batting for the team with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. His addition adds stability and aggression at the top of the order.
CSK do have Urvil Patel and young wicketkeeping prospect Kartik Sharma as backup options apart from Samson. Given the astronomical bidders of INR 14.20 crore, Kartik has a lot to live up to given his recent saturated more interstellar reach in domestic leg Cricket Urvil, though got limited chances last season but took them with a bruising strike rate of 200 plus, and can be an option in the playing XI.
The veteran continues to be a guiding force for the team, so CSK will feel his absence both tactically and emotionally. He played all 14 matches of IPL 2025, amassing 196 runs from 13 innings at a strike rate of 135.17. He batted lower down the order so would usually arrive at the crease in the final overs and when drama was unfolding, but his presence ensured calmness and strategic clarity prevailed amid stressful spells.
After a disappointing season that ended at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table with only four wins, CSK will be looking to turn their fortunes around this year. After so much of squad and strategy changes, the team looks to make a stronger comeback in IPL 2026.
Australian pacer Nathan Ellis has already been ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury, dealing another blow to the franchise. He has been replaced by fellow Australian Spencer Johnson in a pace attack led by Matt Henry. Bowling is by Khaleel Ahmed, Gurjapneet Singh, Zak Foulkes, Anshul Kamboj, Ramakrishna Ghosh and Jamie Overton in addition to Mukesh Choudhary.
CSK has to challenge IPL 2026 early without MS, and they are expected to lead the younger players and new signings. With hopes of the veteran recovering and being back in action, bringing his vast experience to the team at a vital juncture of the event.
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