Wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni, the backbone of Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings, has been sidelined during the first two weeks of the season to play the 2026 season, the team announced, this as a blow to their upcoming campaign..

The franchise officially confirmed the development in a statement, which said that MS Dhoni was being rehabilitated and would not be able to make it in the early part of the tournament..

The statement was written as: ‘Get well soon, Thala!’ which is a way of showing the emotional attachment the fans have to the legendary cricketer. CSK will start their season against the Rajasthan Royals at Guwahati.

Injury setback raises questions over MS Dhoni’s future

The IPL 2026 may be his final season, which is now being talked about because of the news about Dhoni being injured. The 43-year-old was already struggling with chronic knee problems and recently confessed at the ROAR 26 fans event in Chepauk that his fitness is going down the slope.

As recurring injuries become a question, there has been an increasing number of questions regarding his long-term availability and the future of his league participation.

Without Dhoni, CSK seem to be ready in terms of leadership and depth of the squad. Ruturaj Gaikwad has been managing the side and will likely remain in the same position, with the franchise strengthening its wicketkeeping base through the addition of Sanju Samson and with a huge investment in uncapped talent Kartik Sharma.

Nevertheless, his fitness issues have not ruled out the immense legacy of Dhoni in the IPL.

During his 278 matches, he has totaled 5,439 runs in 242 innings at an average of 38.30 with a strike rate of 137.45, including 24 half-centuries with a top score of 84. He is now the sixth-highest run-scorer in the history of the tournament, which is indicative of his consistency and influence over the years.