MS Dhoni Injury: CSK Star to Miss IPL 2026 Opening Weeks
MS Dhoni injury has ruled the veteran wicketkeeper-batter out of the opening two weeks of IPL 2026, with Chennai Super Kings confirming his absence on Saturday.
Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain, according to a statement released by the franchise on the opening day of the tournament.
CSK will begin their campaign on Monday against Rajasthan Royals, followed by fixtures against Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals during the first fortnight.
CSK explore options in Dhoni’s absence
In Dhoni’s absence, new signing Sanju Samson is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties. He is also set to open the batting alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
The franchise also has Urvil Patel and debutant Kartik Sharma as alternative options behind the stumps.
Samson joined CSK from Rajasthan Royals in a trade deal that saw Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran move in the opposite direction.
CSK have also invested INR 14.20 crore in Kartik Sharma, who has gained attention for his six-hitting ability in domestic cricket. Urvil Patel, meanwhile, was retained after playing three matches last season, where he scored at a strike rate of 212.50.
Dhoni’s recent form and CSK setbacks
Dhoni featured in all 14 matches last season, primarily batting in the lower order. He scored 196 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of 135.17, with a highest score of 30 not out.
Chennai Super Kings endured a difficult 2025 campaign, finishing at the bottom of the table with just four wins. The team will be aiming for a turnaround this season.
The franchise has also been hit by another setback, with Australian pacer Nathan Ellis ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury.
He has been replaced by Spencer Johnson, who joins a pace attack led by Matt Henry and including Khaleel Ahmed, Gurjapneet Singh, Zak Foulkes, Anshul Kamboj, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Jamie Overton and Mukesh Choudhary, along with batting all-rounder Shivam Dube.
What this means for CSK
Dhoni’s absence leaves a significant gap in both leadership and experience for CSK during the early stages of IPL 2026.
For the franchise, the opening fixtures will be crucial in setting the tone, and their ability to adapt without their long-time leader could play a key role in shaping their campaign.
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