Cricket News, IPL 2026, MS Dhoni, Cricket Updates
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been dealt an early setback ahead of the IPL 2026 season, with veteran wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni likely to miss the first two weeks of the tournament due to a calf strain.
The franchise confirmed on Saturday, the opening day of the competition, that Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation and is expected to be unavailable for the initial phase of the season. CSK are set to begin their campaign against Rajasthan Royals, followed by matches against Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Capitals within the first fortnight.
In Dhoni’s absence, newly acquired Sanju Samson is the leading candidate to take over wicketkeeping duties while also opening the batting alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. The squad also includes backup options in Urvil Patel and rookie Kartik Sharma.
Samson joined CSK from Rajasthan Royals in a high-profile trade that saw Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran move in the opposite direction. Meanwhile, Kartik Sharma attracted significant attention after being signed for INR 14.20 crore following impressive performances in domestic cricket. Urvil Patel, retained by the franchise, had made a brief but impactful appearance last season with a striking rate exceeding 200.
Dhoni featured in all 14 matches during the 2025 season, primarily batting in the lower order. He scored 196 runs across 13 innings at a strike rate of 135.17, with an unbeaten 30 as his highest score. Despite his contributions, CSK endured a difficult campaign, finishing at the bottom of the table with just four wins.
The injury concerns extend beyond Dhoni, as Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of the entire tournament due to a hamstring injury. He has been replaced by fellow Australian Spencer Johnson.
CSK’s pace attack will be spearheaded by Matt Henry, with support from Khaleel Ahmed, Gurjapneet Singh, Zak Foulkes, Anshul Kamboj, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Jamie Overton, and Mukesh Choudhary. Batting allrounder Shivam Dube also adds depth to the squad.
With key players sidelined early, CSK will be hoping to navigate the opening phase successfully and regain momentum as they aim for a turnaround after a disappointing 2025 season.
