How many games will MS Dhoni miss for CSK in IPL 2026?

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MS Dhoni has been ruled out of the first two weeks of IPL 2026 due to calf strain.
The stage is set for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 as the biggest league in the world will begin on Saturday, March 28. With league around the corner, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered a massive blow as MS Dhoni was ruled out of first two weeks of the league.
MS Dhoni was putting in the hard yards in the nets and it was expected that he would entertain the fans with his sixes yet again. However, just hours before the league, he sustained a calf strain and was ruled out of the first two weeks of IPL 2026.
CSK will open their campaign against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Monday, March 30. After a poor season last year, they would be hoping for a strong start and for that Dhoni would have been crucial. However, the onus now solely will be on captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to marshal his troops.
CSK look strong on paper as they roped in some exciting players ahead of IPL 2026. One of the biggest deals that they pulled was trading Sanju Samson from RR in place of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.
MS Dhoni to miss four games for CSK in IPL 2026

CSK release an official statement and on Dhoni and stated that the keeper-batter will miss first two weeks of the league.
MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of TATA IPL 2026. Get well soon, Thala!
This means that Dhoni will miss four games for CSK in IPL 2026. He is likely to miss these games:
- March 30: RR vs CSK
- April 3: CSK vs PBKS
- April 5: RCB vs CSK
- April 11: CSK vs DC
In place of Dhoni, Sanju Samson is expected to don the gloves and Sarfaraz Khan is likely to replace him in the XI. The Mumbai batter looked in good touch in the nets and would be keen to capitalise on the opportunity and help his team win.
Will MS Dhoni will first game for CSK in IPL 2026?
Dhoni has been ruled out of the first two weeks of IPL.
Who will captain CSK in IPL 2026?
Ruturaj Gaikwad will captain CSK in 2026 IPL.
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Ankitjit Singh is a dedicated sports journalist whose childhood dream was to play cricket—now, he serves the game through his work. With over three years of experience in reporting, writing, and editing, he brings deep insight to his coverage. A journalism graduate from Delhi University, Ankitjit’s passion for cricket took root during his college days and continues to drive his career.