Beginning of ipl 2026 It’s a big blow for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans as veteran icon MS Dhoni is set to miss a significant portion of the tournament. The 44-year-old has been ruled out of at least six matches due to a calf strain, leaving a notable hole in the team’s setup.
The injury reportedly occurred during a training session, where Dhoni was seen limping – an early sign that something was not right. Those concerns were later confirmed when CSK released an official update stating that Dhoni is “Currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain.” And will miss the early stages of the season.
To make matters more worrying, Dhoni did not travel with the team for the opening match against Rajasthan Royals (R) in Guwahati. Instead, he is staying back in Chennai to focus solely on recovery. Summarizing the situation, a senior CSK official said, “It’s definitely a big blow for us and we have to deal with it. He’s resting and we want him back as soon as possible.”
This absence could not have come at a worse time for CSK, especially after their disappointing IPL 2025 campaign where they finished bottom of the table. With a chance to bounce back in the new season, losing their most experienced leader – even if temporarily – increases the pressure on the team right from the start.
MS Dhoni’s return date and the matches he will miss
There is only one big question in the mind of every fan – when will Dhoni return? According to multiple reports, his expected return is likely to be in the last week of April 2026. The most anticipated return date is April 23, when CSK will face arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. However, team insiders suggest that even this timeline is not guaranteed, and his return could be pushed back depending on recovery progress.
As of now, Dhoni is expected to miss the following six matches:
vs Rajasthan Royals – 30 March
vs Punjab Kings – 3 April
vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – 5 April
vs Delhi Capitals – 11 April
vs Kolkata Knight Riders – 14 April
vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – 18 April
There is also a possibility that if his recovery takes longer than expected, he may miss the high-profile match against Mumbai Indians.
While the official statement mentions a two-week absence, updates behind the scenes indicate a slightly longer recovery window. Given Dhoni’s age and injury history – which also includes knee surgery after IPL 2023 – the franchise seems cautious about recalling him.
Also read: Ravichandran Ashwin predicts CSK’s top batsman in IPL 2026
Who will step up in Dhoni’s absence?
However, CSK is not unprepared in this situation. The franchise had already strengthened its squad ahead of IPL 2026 and Dhoni’s absence will now test that depth.
It is expected that Sanju Samson will take over the responsibility of wicketkeeping and can also open the batting along with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Samson’s experience and aggressive style make him a natural fit to fill this void.
Other options included in the team Karthik Sharma And Urvil PatelBoth are capable of delivering impressive performances. Players like in lower middle order Prashant Veer Hopefully he will provide the finishing power that Dhoni has been known for over the years.
Yet, replacing Dhoni is not just about skill – it is about leadership, calmness under pressure and unmatched game awareness. His absence will not only be felt behind the stumps, but also in tough moments where his decision-making often proves decisive.
With Dhoni’s absence, all the attention has focused on CSK’s core group. captain Ruturaj Gaikwad will have to lead from the front, while the coaching staff will have to lead Stephen FlemingWill play an important role in maintaining the balance and morale of the team.
Also read: IPL 2026 – Who is Prashant Veer? ‘Next Ravindra Jadeja’ for CSK
