The Chennai Super Kings have confirmed that MS Dhoni will miss the opening phase of the IPL.
The 44-year-old led CSK to five IPL titles and has only played in the T20 tournament since his international retirement in 2020.
“MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026,” Chennai said in a statement.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Dhoni, a two-time World Cup winning captain for India, has defied age to be in CSK’s yellow, batting at No 7 under skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Dhoni played all 14 matches last year, scoring 196 runs, but Chennai finished bottom of the 10-team table.
Chennai, who last won the IPL in 2023, will play their opening match on Monday against The Rajasthan Royals.
The 19th edition of the IPL begins on Saturday with the final scheduled for 31 May.
– AFP
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Photo: @ChennaiIPL/X
