Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni will be absent for the initial two weeks of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 due to a calf strain, as confirmed by the franchise. The upcoming 19th edition of the tournament is scheduled to kick off with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) facing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on Saturday.
CSK is gearing up to commence their campaign against Rajasthan Royals on Monday, with Dhoni, a five-time title-winning captain, sidelined for the early matches. The franchise disclosed that Dhoni is presently undergoing rehabilitation for the calf strain, necessitating his absence from the initial phase of IPL 2026.
In a statement released on Saturday, the franchise informed about Dhoni’s calf strain and his expected two-week absence from the tournament. Earlier in the day, a video from the team’s practice match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium was shared, showcasing Dhoni’s batting prowess and Samson taking on the wicketkeeping duties. The 44-year-old displayed impressive shots, clearing the boundary multiple times during the practice session.
With Dhoni sidelined, Samson is likely to assume the wicketkeeping responsibilities for CSK in the initial matches as they aim for a record sixth IPL title. Samson, previously leading RR, was traded to CSK, while all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran moved in the opposite direction. While Jadeja is unavailable for IPL 2026 due to an injury, the upcoming clash between RR and CSK on Monday at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati promises an intriguing face-off between Samson and Jadeja against their former teams.
