Will MS Dhoni play tonight in CSK vs PBKS match of IPL 2026?
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MS Dhoni did not play CSK’s IPL 2026 opening match against Rajasthan Royals.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the five-time champions began their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season with a one-sided thrashing at the hands of Rajasthan Royals (RR). Their batters were left exposed against the impressive pacers of the RR, and the likes of Sanju Samson and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad were all sent back to the dressing room cheaply.
With a below-par score to defend, the bowlers failed to compete as Vaibhav Suryavanshi continued his superb form in 2026. Back to their home turf, the Yellow Army will look to change their fortune in the presence of what will be a packed home-crowd at the MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) in Chennai.
CSK will face off against Punjab Kings (PBKS), who arrive on the back of a close victory over Gujarat Titans, on 3 April. PBKS will hope their captain Shreyas Iyer will play, having suffered a painful hit on his wrist in last game. Meanwhile, the spotlight will also be on the youngster Priyansh Arya, who impressed against this very team last year when he scored a century.
Will MS Dhoni play in CSK vs PBKS match of IPL 2026?
CSK’s former captain and IPL legend MS Dhoni missed the opening clash against RR. Dhoni had suffered a calf strain during a pre-season practice session at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
According to reports, he will miss at least the first two or three weeks of the competition. However, there were optimistic signs for fans as Dhoni was spotted batting in the nets towards the end of CSK’s practice session. Dhoni looked to be in good form, as he belted the ball to different parts of the ground, including a no-look six.
The Indian great is now 44 years old, and plays just two months of professional cricket every year. There are chances that he might miss CSK vs PBKS clash as well as management wouldn’t want to rush him. In his absence, Sanju Samson will don the wicket-keeping gloves, for the time being.
Will MS Dhoni play tonight in CSK vs PBKS match of IPL 2026?
No, Dhoni will miss the first six matches of IPL 2026.
What is the venue of CSK vs PBKS clash?
The venue of the encounter is MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) in Chennai.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.