MS Dhoni likely to miss first two weeks of IPL 2026: A statement issued by Chennai Super Kings on the morning of the season's first match confirmed that Dhoni is undergoing rehabilitation for a calf injury. This could leave the team without its star player for the initial portion of the tournament. Chennai's first match is against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30.

Ahead of the start of the 2026 Indian Premier League, the Chennai Super Kings team has suffered a major setback. Significant news has emerged regarding the team's former captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, playing in the tournament's opening match. MS Dhoni is unlikely to play in the first two weeks of IPL 2026. He is recovering from a calf strain.

A statement issued by Chennai Super Kings on the morning of the season's first match confirmed that Dhoni is undergoing rehabilitation for a calf injury. This could leave the team without its star player for the initial part of the tournament. Chennai's first match is against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30.

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

Just before the start of the new season of the Indian Premier League on March 28th, Chennai fans received heartbreaking news. The team officially confirmed that Dhoni would not be playing in the opening matches due to injury. This means that Sanju Samson will be taking over as wicketkeeper.

Chennai have 3 wicketkeeping options

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CSK will begin their campaign against Rajasthan Royals on Monday and will also face Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Delhi Capitals in the first two weeks. New star Sanju Samson will open the innings alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. While Urvil Patel and Kartik Sharma are the wicketkeeping options in the team, Sanju will be the one to replace Dhoni.

Samson was traded from Rajasthan Royals before this season in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. CSK spent ₹14.20 crore on Karthik, a prolific six-hitter in domestic cricket. Urvil was retained after playing three matches last season and scoring at a strike rate of 212.50. Dhoni played all the matches last year, batting lower down the order and usually preferring to bowl in the last five overs.

CSK has already suffered a setback due to a hamstring injury to Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis. His compatriot Spencer Johnson has been included in the squad in his place. Last year, CSK won just four matches and finished at the bottom of the table. This time, the team is hoping to turn its fortunes around.

 PC:News18