MS Dhoni out of IPL 2026, has not recovered from calf strain
Published - 28 Mar 2026, 10:24 AM | Updated - 28 Mar 2026, 10:36 AM
Legendary skipper MS Dhoni will miss the beginning of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). According to a recent update by the franchise, the wicketkeeper-batter is likely to miss the first two weeks of the highly anticipated tournament due to an ongoing calf strain.
Sanju Samson was acquired by the Super Kings ahead of last year’s auction. He recently secured the Player of the Tournament award during India’s T20 World Cup triumph. Chennai Super Kings will heavily rely on Samson when they face Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their season opener in Guwahati on March 30.
Big Blow For CSK! MS Dhoni Likely To Miss First Two Weeks Of IPL 2026
CSK confirmed that MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for his calf injury. The former CSK skipper is likely to be out of action for at least two weeks. Sanju Samson will take over the wicketkeeping responsibilities for the Super Kings.
“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 the TATA IPL 2026. Get well soon, Thala,” CSK wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Official Statement
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 28, 2026
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
Dhoni endured a challenging season with the bat last year. He scored only 196 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17. The legendary cricketer took over the captaincy after Ruturaj Gaikwad sustained an elbow injury, but the franchise finished at the bottom of the table with just four wins.
MS Dhoni’s Availability In Focus Ahead Of IPL 2026
Following their opening match against Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings are set to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 3, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 5, and Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 11. Even if Dhoni recovers soon, he is expected to miss at least the first four matches of the season.
Ahead of the tournament starting on March 28, there has been a lot of talk around Dhoni’s future in the IPL. Many believe this could be his final season. He is one of only four players to feature in all 19 editions, alongside Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Manish Pandey.
After Sanju Samson joined CSK from Rajasthan Royals, discussions have grown stronger about a possible transition, with many seeing him as a long-term replacement.
MS Dhoni Nears Historic Milestone As IPL 2026 Participation Looms
At 44, MS Dhoni is set to become the oldest Indian player to feature in the IPL if he takes the field this season, going past Praveen Tambe. Despite his age, the CSK icon remains a key figure in the squad.
Dhoni has faced multiple injuries in recent years, including a knee issue during the 2023 season. Still, he guided Chennai Super Kings to their fifth IPL title, proving his value as a leader under pressure.
Dhoni is fifth among the highest run-scorers for India in IPL history. The veteran has featured in 278 matches and scored over 5,400 runs at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45, with 24 half-centuries. He has led CSK to five title wins as captain.
He also had a short stint with Rising Pune Supergiants, contributing useful runs during that phase. Dhoni’s best knock in the IPL remains an unbeaten 84 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2019, although CSK narrowly lost that game.
Also read: Mumbai Indians add Akash Madhwal for IPL 2026 amid suspense over Jasprit Bumrah's availability
About the Author
Sai Vaitla is an author at Cricketaddictor and he has been working since September 2022. Sai Vaitla...
