Injury Blow to CSK: MS Dhoni May Sit Out First Two Weeks of IPL 2026

MS Dhoni is likely to miss the first two weeks of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, dealing a significant setback to Chennai Super Kings ahead of the tournament. The former CSK captain is currently undergoing rehabilitation due to a muscle strain. According to a social media update from CSK, Dhoni is suffering from a calf strain. If he remains unavailable for the full two weeks or 14 days, he is expected to miss at least three matches. CSK will begin their campaign on March 30 against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. Their second match is scheduled for April 3 against Punjab Kings in Chennai, followed by a highly anticipated home fixture on April 5 against defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore. Dhoni is likely to be absent for all three matches, with a possible return expected on April 11 against Delhi Capitals. At 44, Dhoni is the oldest player in IPL 2026. In the previous season, he resumed captaincy mid-season after Ruturaj Gaikwad was injured, leading the team to victory in three out of four matches. Dhoni continues to hold the record for the most appearances in IPL history, having played 278 matches so far. Over his IPL career, Dhoni has scored 5,439 runs at an average of 38.30, including 24 half-centuries. Behind the stumps, he has recorded 47 stumpings and 154 catches. He has also guided CSK to five IPL titles. Dhoni remains the only captain to have achieved 100 IPL wins and has led in a record 235 matches. Under his leadership, the team has secured 136 victories while facing 97 defeats. He last led CSK to a title win in 2023. Rohit Sharma ranks second on the list, having captained in 158 matches and won 87 of them.