The Chennai Super Kings have suffered a major setback as wicket-keeper MS Dhoni has been ruled out for the first two weeks of the IPL 2026 due to a calf strain.

Earlier in the day, CSK shared a video of the team’s practice match where MS Dhoni and Sanju Samson kept wickets.

As per the CSK 2026 schedule, Chennai Super Kings will start their campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 at Guwahati.

However, the franchise has confirmed that the wk-batter will not take part in the upcoming clash against Rajasthan Royals.

With him sidelined for few games, Sanju Samson is likely to keep the wickets for CSK as the side aims for the sixth IPL title.

Previously, Sanju Samson joined CSK 2026 squad after a trade of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. It has been a long discussion over MS Dhoni’s last season, as his knee issues persisting.

“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,” said CSK.

MS Dhoni even acknowledged his declining level of fitness during the ‘ROAR 26’ fan event at Chepauk stadium recently, saying that, “it is on the way down”.

The fitness, age and knee- issues have caused him to shift to the lower-middle order and unleash some big hits during the death overs, preserving his body and also entertaining the ‘thala kingdom’.

With Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the franchise, the speculations of IPL 2026 being Dhoni’s swangsong have only intensified, with these investments looked as preparations for a life after Dhoni for CSK.

In 278 matches, MS Dhoni has made 5439 runs in 242 innings at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45 including 24 fifties.

In previous edition, Dhoni scored 198 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135. It will be interesting to see where the 44-year old return to the CSK campaign for the season.