How will Chennai Super Kings spend 2 weeks without Dhoni? big blow

By Samira Vishwas On Mar 31, 2026

Mahendra Singh Dhoni will not be seen in the first two weeks of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) issued a statement in the morning before the first match of the season saying that Mahendra Singh Dhoni is suffering from muscle stiffness and is recovering from injury. Right now he is recovering, so he will stay away from the match.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni will not be with the team in the initial matches. The first match of Chennai Super Kings will be played on March 30 against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati. Mahendra Singh Dhoni will turn 45 this year. His winning fitness is still visible on the pitch.

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What will happen in Dhoni’s absence?

Chennai Super Kings has four wicketkeepers. Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sanju Samson, Karthik Sharma and Urvil Patel. The team will be a little weak due to Dhoni’s absence. Dhoni also makes strategies for the team, so his absence is going to hurt the team.

What has happened to Dhoni?

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the player who has played the most matches in IPL. He has played 278 matches so far. For the last few years, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been recovering from an old knee injury. He has been playing continuously for Chennai in IPL. He is suffering from calf strain.

Also read: CSK will enter IPL 2026 with a new opening pair, captain Ruturaj revealed.

What is calf strain?

This is a condition like sudden strain or partial rupture of the muscles at the back of the leg. This can happen due to sudden running, jumping or running away. Due to strain in the leg, there is sharp pain, swelling and difficulty in walking.

What has MS Dhoni done for CSK?

In the year 2023, he helped Chennai Super Kings win its fifth title. In the first two weeks till Dhoni’s recovery, Chennai has to play matches against Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals. Dhoni is a match-winning player, his absence for two weeks will be greatly missed by the fans.