• Source:JND

IPL 2026: Just a few days ahead of the upcoming season, Chennai Super Kings were dealt a huge blow as MS Dhoni has been ruled out for the first two weeks of the upcoming season owing to a calf strain. They will lock horns with the Rajasthan Royals during their tournament opener at the Barsapara cricket stadium in Guwahati.

Following this development, CSK issued a statement and revealed that Dhoni is currently undergoing rehab.

Since Dhoni will be missing the first few matches, Sanju Samson has become their preferred first-choice wicket-keeper. Samson was acquired from the Rajasthan Royals in a trade, with Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran moving to the Royals as part of the exchange.

ALSO READ: Mitchell Starc Calls Out ‘Misinformed’ Opinions, Shares Injury Update; Apologises To DC

The Chennai-based franchise will undoubtedly feel Dhoni's absence, given his continued influence even after stepping down as captain. As the team adapts, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and the new addition, Sanju Samson, must rise to the occasion and shoulder this responsibility.

“Dhoni bhai’s calf injury suggests this could be his final IPL season. I can’t recall the last time he missed matches due to fitness issues; he has always managed to push through. It’s time for Samson and Rutu to step up in a big way," Priyank Panchal had written on his official X account.

Despite these fitness concerns, it's worth noting that Dhoni played all 14 matches for CSK last year. However, his efforts were in vain as they finished at the bottom of the points table. He scored 196 runs at a strike rate of 135.17, which included an unbeaten 30-run knock.

ALSO READ: RCB Predicted XI vs SRH, IPL 2026: Josh Hazlewood Out, Will Venkatesh Iyer Get The Nod?

Adding to CSK's injury concerns, Dhoni is now the second player to be sidelined, following Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis, who has already pulled out owing to a hamstring issue.

Dhoni will miss matches against teams like Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Capitals.

Further fueling speculation about Dhoni's future, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has also emphasized that Dhoni might retire after the upcoming IPL season.

“It looks like this will be MS Dhoni’s last season. The signs are there because, if you look at the Chennai setup, they have brought in a wicketkeeper-batsman who can play for the next few years. You can build your team around him, and he can be the face of the franchise, that is Sanju Samson," Pathan was quoted as saying on JioHotstar.


Also In News