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The Indian Premier League 2026 is all set to kick-off on Saturday, March 28 but CSK has received a huge blow before even the start of the season. MS Dhonihas been ruled out of the first two weeks of the tournament with a calf strain.

The hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter as going all out in the nets with fans eagerly waiting to see his sixes but an hour before the beginning of the season, Dhoni picked up an injury and has been sidelined for at least two weeks. CSK's official statement confirmed the injury as:

"MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. He is likely to miss the first two weeks of the TATA IPL 2026. Get well soon, Thala!"

This means that Dhoni will miss a total of four crucial games for CSK which include

• RR vs CSK (March 30)
• CSK vs PBKS (April 3)
• RCB vs CSK (April 5)
• CSK vs DC (April 11)

His absence from the squad could be a significant blow to the team especially in the beginning of the campaign.

Also Read | Ishan Kishan Set To Create History As Sunrisers Hyderabad Captain In IPL 2026 Opener

CSK will kick-off their campaign against Rajasthan Royals on the 30th of March. After a rather poor season last year, the Chennai franchise would have been eyeing a strong start and Dhoni's experience would have helped. It is now upto captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead the side from the front.

However, with Dhoni's unavailability, the Chennai Super Kings still possess a strong squad on paper. In one of the major trades before the 2026 auction, CSK acquired the services of Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals, sending Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to the Royals franchise.

Samson is expected to don the wicketkeeping gloves for the Chennai Super Kings with Dhoni out and Sarfaraz Khan is also expected to make it into the playing XI. The Mumbai batter had a good season in the domestic circuit and would look to make his presence count in the biggest franchise league in the world.