New Delhi: MS Dhoni is reportedly set to be out of action for more than two weeks in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday confirmed that the legendary wicket-keeper batter has suffered a side strain and will miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026.
However, as per a report in the Times of India, CSK sources have now indicated that the wait for Dhoni’s return can be longer than two weeks. As per the team’s sources, Dhoni is expected to remain on the sidelines for at least three weeks and won’t return before the last week of April.
The 44-year-old suffered an injury during practice. He was initially expected to miss only four matches in the ongoing IPL 2026. However, if Dhoni fails to return before the last week of April, he might miss as many as six matches for CSK at the start of the season. The five-time champions will take on arch-rivals Mumbai Indians on April 23, and it remains to be seen if Dhoni will recover in time to make the cut for the blockbuster clash.
“It is definitely a big blow for us and we’ll have to deal with it,” a senior CSK official was quoted as saying by the Times of India on Dhoni’s injury.
Dhoni had been gearing up for the IPL 2026 for the last three months, having begun his preparations at his home in Ranchi. He joined CSK’s pre-season camp in Chennai earlier this month and was looking right up there in terms of his fitness levels. However, his latest injury setback means Dhoni will now have to wait to take the field in what possibly can be his final season for CSK in the IPL.
In his absence, Sanju Samson is likely to keep the wickets for CSK. Samson had earlier seen practising as an outfield player during the team’s practice sessions in Chennai, indicating that Dhoni was ready to play and keep wickets. However, an injury to the CSK icon means Samson will now have to don the gloves and share leadership responsibilities with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad on the field.
CSK to miss Dewlad Brevis for the start of IPL 2026 – Reports
Meanwhile, latest reports have claimed that CSK are also set to miss South Africa batter Dewald Brevis for the start of the IPL 2026. As per reports, Brevis has suffered a side strain and is set to miss the first few matches for CSK in the ongoing season. His injury is a huge blow for the five-time champions as Brevis is arguably one of the best batters in their line-up.
There has been no official word from CSK yet on Brevis’ injury and it remains to be seen how the team will cope in his absence. CSK will open their campaign against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Monday, March 30.