IPL 2026: MS Dhoni Likely To Miss First Two Weeks Due To Calf Strain

New Delhi: In a major setback for Chennai Super Kings, former skipper MS Dhoni is likely to miss the first two weeks of the IPL (Indian Premier League) 2026, CSK said on Saturday. The star keeper-batter is currently undergoing rehab due to a calf strain. 

What Chennai Super Kings say?

Taking to X on Saturday, Chennai Super Kings confirmed that Dhoni would not be playing in the opening matches due to injury.

In the 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. 

"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," the post read.

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

What will this mean for CSK?

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. This means that Sanju Samson will be taking over as wicketkeeper.

How many wicketkeeping options does CSK has?

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 Rs 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.