Kamal Ghorui
MS Dhoni will miss Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2026 opener against Rajasthan Royals on Monday in Guwahati, marking the first time in their history that both Dhoni and Raina, two of the franchise’s biggest superstars, will feature in a gameRaina has retired from professional cricket, while Dhoni is set to miss the opening phase of the tournament due to injury. In a statement, the franchise said, “Official Statement. MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of the IPL 2026. Get well soon, Thala!”This match will be the first among 277 T20 games, including 24 in the CLT20, where CSK will not have either Dhoni or Raina in the playing XI. The team has previously played 77 matches without Raina and five without Dhoni, but never without both.Also read: Only 5 in 253! Matches MS Dhoni has missed for CSK in IPLThe current season also reflects a shift in approach, with the franchise investing more in younger players. Dhoni’s absence is due to a calf strain, and he is expected to be unavailable at least until mid-April, though a return later in the month remains possible.The last time Dhoni missed an IPL match was in 2019, when he sat out against Mumbai Indians on April 26 in Chennai due to fever, with Raina leading the side. He also missed a match earlier that season against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 17 because of a back spasm.In total, Dhoni has missed only five IPL matches since 2008. Three of those came in the 2010 season — against Delhi Daredevils in Delhi, Kings XI Punjab in Chennai, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Bengaluru.From 2020 to 2025, Dhoni played every CSK match. This included leading the team to IPL titles in 2021 and 2023. He also featured in all 14 matches in the 2025 season. During the 2016 and 2017 seasons, when CSK were suspended, he represented Rising Pune Supergiant.With 278 appearances, Dhoni is the most-capped player in IPL history and has led a side in 235 matches, also a record. His absence leaves a younger CSK side without one of its most experienced players.
