The question on many fans’ minds is: Is Dhoni playing IPL 2026? The answer is currently no, as MS Dhoni is expected to miss the start of the season due to a calf strain.
Dhoni’s absence was felt during Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) recent match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), where CSK collapsed to a total of 127 runs in 19.4 overs. This marked the first time CSK played without both Dhoni and Suresh Raina in the playing XI, a significant moment in the franchise’s history.
Reports indicate that Dhoni is likely to be unavailable for the first two weeks of IPL 2026, a setback for CSK, who finished in 10th position in the IPL 2025 points table. This is particularly concerning as Dhoni last missed an IPL match in 2019, highlighting his long-standing presence in the league.
In the match against RR, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 52 runs off 17 balls, showcasing the potential of the team even in Dhoni’s absence. However, CSK’s top order struggled significantly, which raises questions about their ability to perform without their iconic captain.
Dhoni has played 278 matches in the IPL, scoring 5439 runs at an average of 38.30, making him one of the most successful players in the league’s history. His leadership and wicketkeeping skills have been invaluable to CSK, and his absence is more than just a loss of runs; it affects the team’s overall stability.
As CSK navigates this challenging period, the impact of Dhoni’s injury will be closely monitored. The team will need to adapt quickly to maintain competitiveness in the league.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline for Dhoni’s return, but fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how CSK manages without their legendary captain.
