The question on many cricket fans’ minds is: is Dhoni playing IPL 2026? Unfortunately, the answer is no, at least for the immediate future. MS Dhoni did not participate in the Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) match against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) due to a calf strain, which is expected to sideline him for the first two weeks of the tournament.
This absence marks a significant moment for CSK, as it was the first time the team played without both MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina in the playing XI. The last time Dhoni missed an IPL match was in 2019, making his current absence particularly notable for fans and analysts alike.
In the match against RR, CSK struggled significantly, collapsing to a total of just 127 runs in 19.4 overs. The impact of Dhoni’s absence was palpable, as his leadership and experience have long been a stabilizing presence for the team. As one analyst noted, “CSK missed Dhoni more as a stabilising presence than as a guaranteed batting fix.”
Dhoni’s IPL career has been illustrious, with 278 matches played and 5,439 runs scored at an average of 38.30. His wicketkeeping skills extend beyond mere catches and stumpings; they encompass field settings, reading batters, and controlling the game’s tempo.
CSK’s performance in IPL 2025 was disappointing, finishing in 10th position, and the team is looking to improve this year. However, the absence of Dhoni, who has been a cornerstone of the franchise, raises questions about their ability to rebound.
In the same match, RR’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored an impressive 52 runs off just 17 balls, further highlighting CSK’s struggles without their star player. The top order of CSK failed to deliver, exacerbating the team’s woes.
As the tournament progresses, the immediate future for Dhoni remains uncertain, with fans eagerly awaiting updates on his recovery. Details remain unconfirmed regarding his exact return date, but the hope is that he will be back on the field as soon as possible.
For now, CSK will have to navigate the challenges of IPL 2026 without their iconic leader, and the impact of his absence will be closely monitored by fans and pundits alike.
