In a major setback ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, MS Dhoni will miss the opening two weeks of the tournament due to a muscle injury, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) confirmed on Saturday.

The development comes just days before CSK begin their campaign against the Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Monday. Dhoni’s absence at the start of the season is expected to significantly impact the team’s balance, leadership structure, and on-field composure.

In an official statement shared on social media, CSK said, “MS Dhoni is currently undergoing treatment for a muscle strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of the TATA IPL 2026. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Thala.”

Samson Set to Step In

With Dhoni sidelined, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is likely to take over the gloves. CSK had made a bold move ahead of the season by acquiring Samson for ₹18 crore in a pre-auction trade from Rajasthan Royals, signalling a transition plan for the post-Dhoni era.

In exchange, CSK parted ways with all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, underlining the franchise’s long-term investment in Samson as a potential successor.

Dhoni’s Enduring IPL Presence

Since retiring from international cricket in August 2020, Dhoni has remained an IPL mainstay, continuing to play a pivotal role for CSK. In the 2025 season, he featured in all 14 matches, scoring 196 runs at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17.

He also resumed captaincy duties early last season after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out due to injury. However, CSK endured a disappointing campaign, finishing at the bottom of the table with just four wins from 14 matches.

Fitness Concerns Amid Record Chase

At 44, Dhoni remains one of the oldest active players in the league. If he returns later in the season, he could surpass Pravin Tambe to become the oldest Indian player to feature in IPL history.

Injuries, however, have increasingly become a concern. During the 2023 season, Dhoni battled a knee issue but still led CSK to a memorable title win against the Gujarat Titans, securing the franchise’s fifth IPL trophy.

A Legacy That Endures

Dhoni continues to hold the record for the most appearances in IPL history. He is also among an elite group of players—alongside Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Manish Pandey—to have played across all seasons of the league.

In 278 IPL matches, Dhoni has scored 5,439 runs and effected 205 dismissals as a wicketkeeper, reinforcing his stature as one of the league’s most influential figures.