Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni is 'likely to miss' the first two weeks of IPL 2026 as he recovers from a calf strain, the franchise announced on Saturday.
Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for the calf strain, CSK said in a tweet.
CSK begin their campaign on Monday, against Rajasthan Royals and will face Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals as well in the first two weeks of the season.
New marquee signing Sanju Samson, who will open the batting alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, is the favourite to take up the wicketkeeping gloves, while CSK also have other options in Urvil Patel and Kartik Sharma.
While Samson was traded in from RR, with Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran heading the other way, CSK spent a whopping INR 14.20 crore on rookie Kartik, who impressed with his six-hitting exploits in domestic cricket. Urvil, meanwhile, was retained, after he made three appearances last season and struck at 212.50 for CSK.
Dhoni played all the matches last year, batting low down the order and preferring an entry point in the last five overs or so.
CSK had earlier suffered an injury blow with Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis ruled out with a hamstring injury. He has been replaced by his compatriot Spencer Johnson.
With just four wins, CSK finished bottom of the table in 2025 and will be looking for a change in fortunes this year.