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MS Dhoni Ruled Out of IPL 2026 Start with Calf Strain Injury

Chennai Super Kings announced that legendary captain MS Dhoni will miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026 due to a calf strain. In his absence, wicketkeeping duties are likely to fall to new recruit Sanju Samson. CSK begins its campaign against the Rajasthan Royals, a match that will see Samson and Ravindra Jadeja face their former team. The franchise is aiming for a record-extending sixth IPL title this season.

Key Points: MS Dhoni to Miss First Two Weeks of IPL 2026 Due to Injury

  • Dhoni ruled out for first two weeks
  • Samson to keep wickets initially
  • CSK aims for record sixth title
  • Team faces Rajasthan Royals in opener
  • Jadeja to play against former franchise
2 min read

IPL 2026: Dhoni to miss first two weeks of season due to calf strain

CSK confirms MS Dhoni will miss IPL 2026's opening weeks with a calf strain. Sanju Samson likely to keep wickets in his absence.

"MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. - Chennai Super Kings"

New Delhi, March 28

Former India and Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni has sustained a calf strain and has been subsequently ruled out for the first two weeks of the Indian Premier League 2026, the franchise said in a statement.

The 19th edition of the tournament is set to begin on Saturday, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the curtain-raiser at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.

CSK are set to play their campaign opener on Monday against the inaugural champions, Rajasthan Royals. However, Dhoni, who has led the franchise to five titles, the joint-most in the league across all seasons, will miss the first few matches and sit out for the first two weeks.

"MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026," the franchise said in a statement on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, the franchise shared a video of the team's practice match, a match-like simulation, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, where Dhoni batted and Samson kept the wickets. The 44-year-old unleashed some terrific shots, sending the ball over the boundary line on multiple occasions.

With the veteran now out for some time, Samson is most likely to keep the wickets for CSK in the initial few games as they aim for a record sixth IPL title. Samson, previously the captain of RR, was traded to CSK as the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side traded out all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

While the English all-rounder has been ruled out of IPL 2026 owing to an injury, it will be interesting to see Samson and Jadeja going up against their former franchises on Monday, when RR take on CSK at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, this is a huge blow to the tournament's opening spectacle. Dhoni is box office. The silver lining is we get to see how Samson integrates into CSK's setup. That match against his old team RR is now even more spicy!
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Arjun K
Honestly, at 44, these injuries are expected. The management needs to have a solid succession plan. Relying on his fitness for a full season is risky. Samson is a fantastic player and this is his chance to make the wicketkeeper-batsman spot his own for the future.
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Priyanka N
The video showed him hitting so well! It's so unfortunate. Health comes first though. Hope he takes all the time he needs to recover fully. CSK has a strong team; they should manage for two weeks. Whistle Podu! 🦁
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Karthik V
Interesting trades this season. Jadeja vs RR and Samson vs RR... Monday's match in Guwahati just became a must-watch drama! Missing Dhoni is big, but the new dynamics could be thrilling. IPL never disappoints with its storylines.
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Michael C
Respectfully, while Dhoni is a legend, this highlights why CSK should have been more proactive in grooming a long-term wicketkeeper. Samson is a stop-gap. The franchise's future planning seems a bit sentimental rather than strategic.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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