IPL 2026: MS Dhoni to miss first six matches due to injury.

The 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) commenced on March 28, but five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have faced a significant setback. Former captain and legendary wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni has been ruled out of the initial phase of the tournament due to a calf injury. While the CSK squad has traveled to Guwahati for their opening match against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on March 30, Dhoni has remained in Chennai to continue his recovery process. At 44, maintaining peak fitness for the grueling T20 format has become a challenge for the veteran cricketer.

Extent of Injury and Expected Return Timeline

According to official communications from Chennai Super Kings, MS Dhoni is suffering from a calf muscle strain. While initial assessments suggested a two-week recovery period, a report by the Times of India, citing sources within the CSK camp, indicates that his return to the field is unlikely before the last week of April. This revised timeline suggests that Dhoni could miss approximately six matches instead of the previously estimated four. The team management is reportedly adopting a cautious approach, prioritizing his long-term availability for the crucial latter half of the tournament and potential playoffs.

Rehabilitation Process in Chennai and Absence from Guwahati

MS Dhoni didn't accompany the team to Guwahati for their season opener. Instead, he's currently undergoing a structured rehabilitation program at the team's base in Chennai, while sources indicate that the injury hampers his ability to sprint and maintain the crouched position required for wicketkeeping. Since retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni only participates in the IPL, making the transition to high-intensity competitive cricket more demanding on his body. He's working closely with the franchise's medical team and physiotherapists to regain full match fitness through targeted exercises and therapy.

Sanju Samson to Lead Behind the Stumps

In the absence of MS Dhoni, the wicketkeeping responsibilities for Chennai Super Kings will be handled by Sanju Samson. CSK acquired Samson from Rajasthan Royals in a high-profile trade deal worth ₹18 crore ahead of this season. Samson, a seasoned campaigner and a prolific middle-order batsman, was brought in to provide stability and a long-term succession plan for the wicketkeeping role. With Dhoni sidelined, Samson's role becomes pivotal in maintaining the team's balance. His experience in leading a franchise and his agility behind the stumps are expected to mitigate the impact of Dhoni's absence during the first few weeks.

Official Statements from CSK Management

A senior official from the Chennai Super Kings management confirmed that Dhoni's injury is a blow to the team's immediate plans, while according to the official, while Dhoni's presence on the field is invaluable for his tactical acumen and leadership, the squad is prepared to adapt. The management emphasized that they won't rush his comeback, as ensuring he's 100% fit is the primary objective. The coaching staff, led by Stephen Fleming, is reportedly restructuring their on-field strategies to compensate for the loss of Dhoni's finishing abilities and his guidance from behind the stumps during the initial matches.

CSK Schedule for the Initial Phase of IPL 2026

The schedule for the first few weeks of IPL 2026 is demanding, with CSK slated to play several high-stakes matches across different venues. Following their opener in Guwahati on March 30, the team has a series of fixtures that Dhoni is likely to miss if the six-match absence holds true. This period will test the depth of the CSK squad and the leadership of the current captain. The performance of the team in these early encounters will be crucial in determining their position on the points table before Dhoni potentially rejoins the playing XI in late April.