Dhoni’s farewell in doubt? CSK icon to miss first month of IPL 2026 due to calf strain: Reports
Guwahati: MS Dhoni’s anticipated farewell season has hit a significant setback as the Chennai Super Kings icon is now expected to miss at least the first month of the IPL 2026 campaign.
Initially sidelined with a calf strain sustained during pre-season training, the 44-year-old’s recovery timeline has been pushed back, as per reports from Times of India. While the franchise originally estimated a two-week absence, updated medical reports suggest Dhoni is unlikely to return to competitive action before the final week of April.
Extended Recovery Timeline
The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman remained in Chennai to begin a supervised rehabilitation program at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium. He did not travel with the squad for their season-opening fixture in Guwahati. Reports indicate that the nature of the muscle strain requires a more cautious approach to avoid a season-ending tear, effectively ruling him out of Chennai’s first six matches.
The revised schedule means Dhoni will likely miss high-profile clashes against the Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His availability for the storied rivalry against the Mumbai Indians on April 14 also remains in serious doubt.
Roster Adjustments
The injury leaves a massive void in the Super Kings’ middle order and behind the stumps. In Dhoni’s absence, Chennai is expected to hand the wicketkeeping gloves to marquee signing Sanju Samson. The team is already grappling with a depleted roster, as fast bowler Nathan Ellis was recently ruled out with a hamstring injury and Dewald Brevis continues to recover from a side strain.
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and head coach Stephen Fleming will have to navigate the tournament’s critical opening phase without their spiritual leader on the field. Dhoni, who transitioned into a lower-order finisher role last season with a strike rate of 220, remains the sentimental heartbeat of the league’s most successful franchise.