Categories: Sports News

IPL 2026: No Virat Kohli vs MS Dhoni Clash in Indian Premier League — How Many Matches Will ‘Thala’ Miss for CSK This Season? Full List Inside

MS Dhoni, who has been training hard for over a month, has suffered a calf strain in practice that could keep him out for around three weeks. While the official CSK release mentions a two-week layoff, team sources indicate it is unlikely he will return before the last week of April.

Add NewsX As A Trusted Source
Add as a preferred
source on Google
Published by Somya Kapoor
Last updated: March 29, 2026 14:05:31 IST

Chennai Super Kings have suffered a blow as wicket-keeper batter MS Dhoni will be reportedly missing the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier league (IPL) till last week of April, according to a TOI report. 

Dhoni has suffered a calf strain in practice that could keep him out for around three weeks. Chennai Super Kings had earlier made the announcement that Dhoni will be sitting out for first two weeks. The official statement from CSK said, “MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain.”

But the sources suggest that he might be out for more time. If the reports are to be believed then, Dhoni will miss the matches against Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, the high-voltage clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad. 

Sanju Samson Likely to Keep Wickets

In MS Dhoni’s absence, Sanju Samson is the best choice to keep wickets as he will be a part of the Playing XI as well as confirmed by captain Ruturaj Gaikwad earlier. Samson is an experienced wicket-keeper and has performed the duties at the highest level. 

Samson had earlier joined CSK after a trade deal with Rajasthan Royals that saw Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran exiting the Super Kings. 

The right-handed batter has been in some brilliant touch and scored crucial runs for India in the T20 World Cup 2026. He struck 97* against West Indies in a virtual quarter-final, 89 against England in the semi-final and another 89 against New Zealand in the final. 

Samson would look to continue his purple patch in the IPL as well. Chennai Super Kings will begin the campaign against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on Monday. 

Chennai Super Kings IPL 2026 Squad

Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), MS Dhoni, Sanju Samson, Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Kartik Sharma, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Prashant Veer, Matthew Short, Aman Khan, Zak Foulkes, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Shreyas Gopal, Gurjapneet Singh, Akeal Hosein, Matt Henry, Rahul Chahar

Also Read: MS Dhoni Out of IPL 2026 Start? CSK Suffer Massive Blow as ‘Thala’ Set to Miss Opening Matches With Injury | Details Inside

Published by Somya Kapoor
Last updated: March 29, 2026 14:05:31 IST

Recent Posts

Watch: Vijay Names Driver’s Son Candidate Ahead Of Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections, Emotional On-Stage Moment Goes Viral

Vijay went viral after choosing his former driver’s son as a party candidate, with an…

March 29, 2026

MI vs KKR IPL 2026: Who Will Win Today’s Match? Irfan Pathan Makes Bold ‘Things Will Change’ Prediction

Will the "opening-match jinx" finally break for Mumbai Indians? Irfan Pathan believes a massive tactical…

March 29, 2026

Gold Price Weekly Prediction (30 March To 4 April): After Steep Fall, Gold Stages Strong Comeback- Will Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Further Gains?

Gold rebounds after sharp fall; prices rise for 2 days. Will geopolitical tensions drive further…

March 29, 2026