IPL 2026, MS Dhoni: Before the start of IPL 2026, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered a big blow. Team icon and former captain MS Dhoni has been ruled out of the initial matches of the tournament due to a calf injury. According to the official statement of the franchise, Dhoni is undergoing rehabilitation and will not be able to take the field for the first two weeks. According to this, MS Dhoni will not be able to play at least 3 matches. But now another update has come out on Dhoni’s injury, which has come as a big shock to his fans.
Tension increased among Dhoni’s fans
According to media reports, MS Dhoni’s recovery may take not just two but at least three weeks, due to which he may remain out till the end of April. If this happens then he may miss at least six matches. Not only this, he has not even reached Guwahati for the first match, which will be played against Rajasthan Royals. According to reports, he is undergoing rehab in Chennai itself.
Dhoni’s absence is going to prove to be a big challenge for CSK. His role has been important for the team in the last few seasons. However, due to age and repeated injuries, his performance has not been as impressive as before. Now the team will have to struggle in the initial matches without ‘Thala’. At the same time, this will be the first time in IPL history when neither Dhoni or Suresh Raina will be there in CSK’s playing-11. This had never happened before in the last 16 seasons.
Big responsibility on Sanju Samson
However, with the arrival of Sanju Samson, the responsibility of wicketkeeping will be handled well. Some time back, CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan had said that Dhoni is unlikely to play all the matches, indicating that Sanju will be the No. 1 wicketkeeper. In such a situation, in the absence of Dhoni, Sanju Samson will have a big responsibility.