Is MS Dhoni playing IPL 2026? The answer is no, at least for the first two weeks, as he is sidelined due to a calf strain. This injury has raised significant concerns among fans and analysts alike regarding his future in the tournament.
Dhoni’s absence was felt acutely during Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) recent match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), where CSK collapsed to just 127 runs in 19.4 overs. This marked a historic moment as it was the first time CSK played without both Dhoni and Suresh Raina in the playing XI.
In the match, RR’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored an impressive 52 runs off just 17 balls, highlighting the stark contrast in performance compared to CSK’s struggling top order. Dhoni’s last missed IPL match was back in 2019, making this situation particularly notable.
With 278 matches played and 5,439 runs scored in the IPL, Dhoni’s experience and leadership have been invaluable to CSK. His absence is not just a loss of runs but a significant void in team dynamics, as he has been a stabilizing presence for the squad.
CSK finished in 10th position in the IPL 2025 points table, and the team is now grappling with the challenge of competing without their iconic captain. The dynamics of the team are under scrutiny, especially with the pressure of performing in a competitive league.
Details remain unconfirmed about when Dhoni might return, but the initial prognosis suggests he will be out for at least two weeks. As fans await updates, the cricketing world is left to ponder the implications of his absence on CSK’s performance this season.
In the wake of Raina’s retirement from all forms of cricket in September 2022, Dhoni’s role has become even more critical. The team now faces the challenge of adapting to this new reality without their legendary duo.
As the IPL 2026 season unfolds, all eyes will be on CSK to see how they cope without their stalwart leader. The question remains: can they find a way to succeed in Dhoni’s absence?
