Indian cricket legend MS Dhoni is expected to be sidelined for the initial two weeks of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 due to a calf strain, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) announced on Saturday. The 44-year-old veteran, who has been a cornerstone of the franchise, is currently undergoing rehabilitation and is unlikely to feature in the early matches of the tournament.
Dhoni’s impact on the IPL has been immense, having led CSK to five titles since the league’s inception. Since retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni has focused solely on the T20 format, continuing to contribute as a wicketkeeper-batsman. Despite his age, he remains a vital part of the team, often batting lower down the order under the leadership of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Last season, Dhoni played all 14 matches for CSK, accumulating 196 runs. However, the team struggled overall and finished at the bottom of the 10-team standings. Notably, CSK were the IPL champions as recently as 2023, and they will be eager to reclaim their dominance this year. Their campaign will kick off on Monday against the Rajasthan Royals, following the tournament’s opening on Saturday. The IPL’s 19th edition is set to conclude with the final on May 31.
Dhoni’s absence in the early stages could pose a challenge for CSK, who rely heavily on his experience and calm presence in pressure situations. Meanwhile, the team will look to other players to step up as they aim to build momentum in the fiercely competitive league.
