Is MS Dhoni playing IPL 2026? As of now, the answer is no. The legendary cricketer missed Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) due to a calf strain, and he is expected to be unavailable for the first two weeks of the tournament.
This match marked a historic moment for CSK, as it was the first time they played without both MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina in the playing XI. Dhoni’s absence was felt deeply, as his leadership and experience have been pivotal for the team over the years.
In fact, this was the first match Dhoni missed since 2019, highlighting his remarkable durability and commitment to the sport. Throughout his IPL career, Dhoni has played 278 matches and scored 5,439 runs at an impressive average of 38.30.
CSK’s performance in the match against RR was notably affected by Dhoni’s absence. The team collapsed to a mere 127 runs in 19.4 overs, with the top order failing significantly. In contrast, RR’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi shone brightly, scoring 52 runs off just 17 balls to lead his team to victory.
Dhoni’s wicketkeeping and strategic acumen extend beyond mere statistics; his ability to read the game, set field placements, and guide bowlers in real-time has been invaluable. As one observer noted, “CSK missed Dhoni more as a stabilizing presence than as a guaranteed batting fix.”
CSK’s struggles have been compounded by their disappointing finish in the IPL 2025 season, where they ended up in 10th position. The absence of both Dhoni and Raina, who announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in September 2022, has left a significant void in the team’s dynamics.
As the IPL 2026 season progresses, the question remains: how will CSK cope without their iconic duo? While Dhoni’s return is anticipated, the timeline for his recovery remains uncertain. Details remain unconfirmed.
For now, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how CSK adapts to this challenging situation and whether Dhoni can make a comeback in the latter stages of the tournament.
