MS Dhoni has given positive signs after his injury, as he has already returned to batting practice earlier than expected. He had a calf strain before IPL 2026 and was ruled out for around two weeks, missing Chennai Super Kings’ opening match against Rajasthan Royals.
He stayed back at MA Chidambaram Stadium for recovery while the team travelled. That match was special in a different way, as it was the first time CSK played without Dhoni or Suresh Raina in the XI after 277 T20 games.
Now things are improving. On April 1, videos showed Dhoni back in the nets, batting comfortably and timing the ball well. He looked in control and didn’t show clear signs of discomfort, though he is still easing into full intensity.
CSK clearly missed him in the first game. They were bowled out for 127, with only Jamie Overton putting up a fight, and lost the match easily. This showed how important Dhoni still is, both for finishing innings and guiding the team on the field.
What Happened: The Injury & Official Timeline
MS Dhoni picked up a calf strain during pre-season practice at MA Chidambaram Stadium, which ruled him out of the first two weeks of IPL 2026. CSK confirmed on March 28 that he would miss this period for rehab.
He missed the opening match against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 and stayed in Chennai instead of travelling with the squad. The expected recovery time is around two weeks, meaning he could miss about 4-6 matches. This likely includes games against Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and maybe more depending on fitness.
It is only the sixth time Dhoni has missed an IPL match for CSK, and the first time the team played without him or Raina in the XI across 277 T20 games. He has also been dealing with fitness issues in recent years, including knee problems after surgery in 2023.
The impact was clear in the first game, where CSK were bowled out for 127 and lost comfortably. But there is positive news now. On April 1, Dhoni was seen batting in the nets again, looking comfortable.
His return is not officially confirmed yet, but based on current progress, he could come back earlier than expected if his recovery continues well.
CSK Played Without MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina for First Time in History
When CSK played against Rajasthan Royals on March 30, 2026, it was the first time in the franchise’s 19-year history that neither Dhoni nor Raina were in the playing XI. Before this, every CSK match had included at least one of them across 277 T20 matches.
The streak ended for two reasons: Raina retired in 2022 after becoming all-time leading scorer for CSK with 5,528 runs in 205 matches, and Dhoni was sidelined with a calf strain. This was only the sixth IPL match Dhoni missed in his career, his last being in 2019.
This game symbolized a new era for CSK. Ruturaj Gaikwad led the team as captain, while Sanju Samson debuted for CSK after joining from Rajasthan Royals. Ravindra Jadeja also missed the XI for the first time since joining the franchise.
CSK struggled without their icons, getting bowled out for 127 and losing by 8 wickets. This match marked the start of a period where the team has to find its identity without its two greatest players.
FAQs
Q. Why did MS Dhoni miss the start of IPL 2026?
A. Dhoni had a calf strain and was ruled out for about two weeks, missing CSK’s opening match.
Q. How did CSK perform without Dhoni and Suresh Raina?
A. CSK were bowled out for 127 and lost easily against Rajasthan Royals.
Q. Has Dhoni started practicing again?
A. Yes, by April 1 MS Dhoni was back in the nets, batting comfortably with good timing.
Q. How rare is it for CSK to play without Dhoni and Raina?
A. It was the first time in 277 T20 games that neither of them played for CSK.
Q. Could Dhoni return soon?
A. Yes, if his recovery continues well, Dhoni might return earlier than the expected two weeks.
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