Chennai Super Kings can expect to be without MS Dhoni for the opening two weeks of IPL 2026 after the veteran suffered a calf strain, handing the franchise’s campaign an early set-back.

The seasoned wicketkeeper-batter is serving a rehabilitation phase – a detail confirmed by CSK on the opening day of the tournament. His absence means that the team will need to adjust quickly as it begins its season without one of its most experienced leaders.

CSK will open their campaign against Rajasthan Royals, facing Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals in the first two weeks.

Newly signed Sanju Samson is a strong contender to take over wicketkeeping duties and will also open the batting with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in Dhoni’s absence. Veteran Indian keeper-batsman Parthiv Patel is backed up by young recruit Kartik Sharma, who was bought for 14.20 crore INR (2 mil USD) having impressed in domestic cricket.

Samson’s inclusion was part of a huge trade deal involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Urvil Patel stays in the squad following a cameo season.

Dhoni featured in all 14 matches in IPL 2025 where he scored 196 runs at a strike rate of 135.17 mostly batting down the order. But CSK had a horrific campaign under him where they finished at the bottom of the table with only four wins.

Adding to the team’s troubles is another injury setback as Australian pacer Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of the entire tournament due to hamstring injury. He is replaced by Spencer Johnson, who will join a pace attack spearheaded by Matt Henry.

Other fast bowling options consist of Khaleel Ahmed, Gurjapneet Singh, Zak Foulkes, Anshul Kamboj, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Jamie Overton and Mukesh Choudhary by and large alongside all-rounder Shivam Dube.

However, CSK will hope to combat this lack of performance with some players missing early in the tournament and start IPL 2026 on a high.