Chennai. Even before the start of IPL 2026, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has suffered a major blow. Team’s veteran player MS Dhoni may be out of the first four matches due to injury. CSK informed in its official statement that Dhoni is currently suffering from calf strain (shin injury) and is currently undergoing rehabilitation. According to the team statement, ‘MS Dhoni is currently in the process of recovering from calf strain. Due to this he may remain out of the first two weeks of the IPL.
What is the injury and how many matches will you miss?
This injury of Dhoni is related to muscles, which takes time to heal. In such a situation, it is almost certain that he will not play for the first two weeks i.e. he may miss the first three to four matches of CSK. This is a big blow for the team because Dhoni plays an important role in both experience and leadership. In the first two weeks, CSK has to play Rajasthan Royals on March 30 in Guwahati, Punjab Kings on April 3 in Chennai, Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 5 in Bangalore and Delhi Capitals on April 11 in Chennai. After this, on April 14, CSK will face Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai. Dhoni can make a comeback in the match against Delhi or Kolkata.
Why a big loss for CSK?
Even though Dhoni is no longer the captain, his presence on the field remains very important for the team. He is associated with the team as an uncapped player. His lack of experience in wicketkeeping, finishing in the death overs and guiding young players will be clearly felt in all these matters. There is a strong discussion every season after the campaign of Chennai Super Kings regarding the IPL future of 44-year-old MS Dhoni.
Since Dhoni now plays only IPL, it has become even more challenging for him to maintain match fitness. In the last IPL season, Dhoni played 14 matches and while batting in the lower order, he worked to give a quick finish to the team’s innings in the last overs. Since his retirement from international cricket, he has been continuously struggling with knee problems. For this reason, he also underwent surgery in 2023.
Who can get the chance?
In the absence of Dhoni, CSK management will have to make changes in the playing-11. The responsibility of wicketkeeping may go to some other player. Apart from Dhoni, the team also has three other options for wicketkeeping. These include Sanju Samson, Urvil Patel and Karthik Sharma. Sanju is certain to play. Now both Urvil and Karthik can get a place in the playing-11. In such a situation, it remains to be seen who will be in charge of wicketkeeping. Reshuffle is also possible in the middle order. However, Sanju and Urvil were seen keeping wickets in CSK’s practice sessions.
What can be the playing-11 now?
However, it is a matter of relief that Dhoni is not out of the entire season. He will miss only the initial matches. Expected to return after completing rehab. The team also said in its message, ‘Get well soon, Thala!’ Now Sanju Samson will be seen opening with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. At the same time, Sarfaraz Khan will be seen playing at number three, Shivam Dubey at number four and Dewald Brevis at number five.
Urvil Patel may get a chance at number six. Prashant Veer will be seen playing at number seven, Anshul Kamboj at number eight, Noor Ahmed at number nine, Matt Henry at number 10 and Khalil Ahmed at number 11. Karthik Sharma will play as an impact player. In such a situation, CSK has a lot of depth in their batting. Also, both the players worth Rs 14.2-14.2 crore will also get a chance in the playing-11. Urvil Patel has made many records in domestic T20 and he will also be able to play. Dhoni was also seen teaching wicketkeeping tricks to Urvil and Karthik in practice sessions.
CSK’s new probable playing-11: Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Sanju Samson, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dubey, Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel (wicketkeeper), Prashant Veer, Noor Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry, Khalil Ahmed. (Impact Player: Karthik Sharma)
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