“MS Dhoni is currently in rehabilitation for a calf strain. Consequently, he is anticipated to miss the first two weeks of TATA IPL 2026,” CSK stated in a release.
Since retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni has remained active in the IPL.
The 44-year-old’s future in the league generates considerable debate after each CSK season. Given that Dhoni only participates in the IPL, maintaining match fitness becomes increasingly challenging.
While Ruturaj Gaikwad serves as the team captain, Dhoni continues to be the unofficial leader of the franchise, having been with them since 2008, except for the time they were suspended from competition.
In the last IPL season, Dhoni featured in 14 matches, usually batting lower in the order to provide a finishing touch. He has also faced ongoing knee issues since his retirement from international play and underwent surgery in 2023.
CSK will begin their IPL 2026 journey against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30.
