Why did MS Dhoni miss CSK vs PBKS clash of IPL 2026?

MS Dhoni also missed CSK’s opening game against RR.

After losing their opening game, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will aim for a big comeback in their second game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The venue of the CSK vs PBKS clash is MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The Ruturaj Gaikwad & Co. lost their opening game to Rajasthan Royals (RR) by eight wickets. They were bowled out for just 127 runs in the first innings, which the RR chased with ease.

On the other hand, Punjab won their first game of IPL 2026 against Gujarat Titans (GT) by three wickets. The Shreyas Iyer-led side chased down a 163-run target with a half-century by debutant Cooper Connolly.

In match 7, PBKS won the toss and chose to field first. Notably, MS Dhoni is not part the CSK’s playing XI for the encounter. He also missed the opening game against Rajasthan Royals (RR).

Why is MS Dhoni not part of the CSK vs PBKS clash?

Notably, Dhoni has been ruled out of the tournament for the first two weeks due to an injury. The wicket-keeper batter suffered a calf strain during the pre-season training. He is undergoing rehabilitation in Chennai.

Ahead of the tournament, the CSK management had informed that Dhoni would miss the first two weeks due to the injury.

Notably, Chennai will play their first home game in IPL 2026 against Punjab Kings. Last season, they struggled to win matches at home. Following their huge defeat in the opening game, Chennai languish at the last spot in the points table with 0 points.

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