IPL 2026: Thala fans got a big shock, MS Dhoni out of the initial matches, know when will he return to the field

News India Live, Digital Desk: Only a few days are left for the start of IPL 2026, but a news has come from the camp of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) which has disappointed the ‘Yellow Army’. Five-time champion CSK’s most successful captain and veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MS Dhoni) will not be available for the first two weeks of the tournament due to his ‘calf injury’. The franchise has confirmed this by issuing an official statement on Saturday, March 28. CSK issued a statement: ‘Will have to wait for two weeks’ Chennai Super Kings gave an update on ‘Thala’s injury on social media, saying: “MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation due to a calf strain. As a result, his chances of playing in the first two weeks of matches of Tata IPL 2026 are slim. Get well soon, Thala!” Dhoni may miss these 4 big matches. Dhoni’s absence means that he will not be seen on the field at least in the first four or five matches. If we look at the initial schedule of CSK, Dhoni may stay out of these matches: 30 March: vs Rajasthan Royals (Guwahati) 03 April: vs Punjab Kings 05 April: vs Royal Challengers Bangalore 11 April: vs Delhi Capitals Who will handle the responsibility of wicketkeeping? In Dhoni’s absence, the biggest question for CSK is regarding wicketkeeping and middle order. Sanju Samson is ready: Recently he came after being traded from Rajasthan Royals. Sanju Samson is the first choice for wicketkeeping. Apart from him, the team also has options like Urvil Patel and Karthik Sharma. Ashwin’s choice: Former veteran R. Ashwin has also selected his ‘Strong Playing-11’ after Dhoni’s injury, in which he has suggested Sanju Samson to open with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and hand over the command of wicket-keeping. Is this Dhoni’s last season? 44-year-old Dhoni has been struggling with knee and fitness problems for some time. Recently during an event in Chepauk, he admitted that his fitness is no longer the same as before. In such a situation, the speculations have become more intense whether this will be Dhoni’s ‘Farewell Season’? However, fans are hopeful that Dhoni will return to the field fit after two weeks and will once again be seen hitting sixes in his familiar style.