Is MS Dhoni playing IPL 2026? The answer is no, at least for now. Dhoni missed the Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) match against the Rajasthan Royals due to a calf strain, and he is expected to be unavailable for the first two weeks of the tournament.
This absence is particularly notable as it marks the first time CSK has played without both Dhoni and Suresh Raina in the playing XI. The last time Dhoni missed an IPL match was in 2019, highlighting his long-standing presence in the league. Over his career, he has played 278 matches and scored 5,439 runs at an impressive average of 38.30.
In the match against Rajasthan Royals, CSK struggled significantly, collapsing to just 127 runs in 19.4 overs. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s quickfire 52 runs off 17 balls for RR underscored the challenges CSK faced without their iconic leader. The team’s top order failed to deliver, and Dhoni’s absence was felt more as a stabilizing presence than as a guaranteed batting fix.
CSK’s performance has been under scrutiny, especially after finishing in 10th position in the IPL 2025 points table. The team’s struggles were compounded by the fact that they also played without Raina, who announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in September 2022.
As CSK navigates this challenging period, the question remains: how will they adapt without their veteran players? The upcoming weeks will be crucial for the franchise as they seek to regroup and find a way to maintain competitiveness in the league.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding Dhoni’s recovery timeline and potential return. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how CSK manages in his absence and whether Dhoni can make a comeback later in the season.
