Chennai Super Kings have announced that MS Dhoni is expected to be unavailable for the first fortnight of Indian Premier League 2026 after sustaining a calf strain. The franchise said the former India captain is currently undergoing rehabilitation and will not feature in the initial fixtures of the TATA IPL season.

CSK begin their campaign against Rajasthan Royals on Monday, but Dhoni will not take part in the contest. Earlier visuals from a practice session had shown him spending time at the crease, with Sanju Samson behind the stumps. However, the team later clarified that the seasoned wicketkeeper-batter will remain sidelined for the opening stretch.

With Dhoni temporarily out, Samson is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties as CSK chase what would be a record-extending sixth IPL crown. The Kerala batter, who previously led Rajasthan, joined the Chennai outfit in a high-profile trade that saw all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran move out. Curran has already been ruled out of the season due to injury.

The CSK-RR clash is scheduled at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, adding further intrigue as players face former teams early in the tournament.

Speculation has been mounting that IPL 2026 could mark Dhoni’s final season, especially given his recurring knee concerns and advancing age. During a recent fan engagement event in Chennai, he candidly admitted that his fitness levels are “on the way down.” In recent seasons, he has largely operated in the lower middle order, focusing on impactful cameos during the death overs while managing his workload.

Leadership responsibilities have gradually transitioned to Ruturaj Gaikwad, and the franchise has strengthened its wicketkeeping options, including a significant investment in uncapped Rajasthan player Kartik Sharma. Many observers view these moves as part of CSK’s long-term planning beyond the Dhoni era.

Across 278 IPL appearances, Dhoni has amassed 5,439 runs at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate above 137, registering 24 half-centuries with a top score of 84 not out. He remains among the tournament’s leading run-scorers. Last season, despite Chennai finishing at the bottom of the table, he contributed 196 runs in 13 innings with a strike rate exceeding 135.