Is Dhoni playing IPL 2026? The answer is no, at least for the initial matches. MS Dhoni did not participate in Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) due to a calf strain. This injury is expected to keep him out for the first two weeks of the IPL 2026 season.

This match was notable as it marked the first time CSK played without both MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina in the playing XI. Dhoni’s absence was felt significantly, as CSK’s innings collapsed to just 127 runs in 19.4 overs, highlighting the impact of his leadership and experience.

Dhoni has been a pivotal figure in the IPL, having played 278 matches and scored 5,439 runs at an average of 38.30. His last absence from an IPL match was in 2019, making this situation particularly striking for fans and the team alike.

In the match against RR, CSK’s top order failed to deliver, and the team’s performance suffered without their iconic captain. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 52 runs off 17 balls for RR, leading them to victory and further emphasizing the void left by Dhoni.

CSK finished in 10th position in the IPL 2025 points table, and the absence of both Dhoni and Raina, who announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on September 6, 2022, raises questions about the team’s strategy moving forward.

Dhoni’s wicketkeeping value extends beyond mere catches and stumpings; it encompasses field settings, reading batters, and controlling the game’s tempo. His leadership has been a stabilizing presence for CSK, and his absence was felt more as a stabilizing presence than as a guaranteed batting fix.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline for Dhoni’s return, but his expected unavailability for the first two weeks of IPL 2026 leaves fans and the team in a state of uncertainty.

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