Chennai Super Kings (CSK) confirmed on Saturday, March 28, 2026, that legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni will miss the first two weeks of the IPL 2026 season. The 44-year-old former captain suffers from a calf muscle strain.
He is currently in a rehabilitation program to recover from the injury. This news comes just two days before CSK plays its opening match against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati.
What Happened to MS Dhoni
The franchise management released an official statement saying that he is receiving treatment for a calf strain. CKS also mentioned that he will likely stay on the sidelines for the first fourteen days of the tournament. The franchise shared a message on social media about their captain’s speedy recovery.
Dhoni recently attended the “ROAR 26” fan event at Chepauk stadium. During that event, he admitted that his fitness level is declining. He told the audience that his physical condition is “on the way down”. Therefore, this latest injury adds to the ongoing concerns about his age and long-term fitness. In addition to the calf strain, Dhoni has dealt with persistent knee issues over the past few years. Dhoni had a knee surgery in 2023 after leading the team to their fifth IPL title.
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Who Will Replace MS Dhoni
The team management has already prepared for this situation by making significant changes to the squad. This IPL 2026, CSK completed a major trade before the season began. They traded away star players Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to the Rajasthan Royals.
However, they acquired Sanju Samson as a part of the exchange. The Indian batsman was named the Player of the Tournament in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. He will likely take over as the wicketkeeper in Dhoni’s absence. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has confirmed that Samson will play as the opening batter in this tournament.
Furthermore, the franchise has other backup options if needed. These players include Urvil Patel and the uncapped domestic player Kartik Sharma. Notably, CSK invested Rs 14.20 crores in Kartik Sharma during the auction to secure a long-term wicketkeeping option.
CKS’s Transition to New Leadership
The team is currently moving toward a future without Dhoni. Ruturaj Gaikwad is the designated captain and has been leading the side for some time. Interestingly, Gaikwad recently revealed that Dhoni stays out of most team discussions. Dhoni wants the new leadership to make their own decisions. He told the captain and coach Stephen Fleming that their ideas should drive the team forward.
They cemented their stance of letting the new leadership make ther own decisions while offering all the support needed with a post on Twitter that said,”Right behind you, Captain Rutu! 🫡💛”
Experts like Aakash Chopra have suggested that Dhoni should consider retiring if he can only play as an Impact Player. Chopra believes that a player with Dhoni’s skills should be on the field to read the game. However, the franchise continues to value his presence in the squad as a mentor and finisher. The injury to Sam Curran also makes the team balance more difficult for the opening matches.
Impact on the IPL 2026 Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Status |
| March 30 | Rajasthan Royals | Guwahati | Will Miss |
| April 3 | Punjab Kings | Chennai | Will Miss |
| April 5 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Bengaluru | Will Miss |
| April 11 | Delhi Capitals | Chennai | Likely to Miss |
| April 14 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Chennai | Potential Return |
Dhoni’s absence is a major blow to the team’s early campaign. He will miss at least four regular-season matches during the first two weeks. The team faces its first test against Rajasthan Royals on Monday evening in Guwahati. While fans are disappointed, the franchise has enough depth in the squad to cover for the veteran player. Everyone is now waiting to see if “Thala” can recover in time for the big match against Kolkata on April 14.
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