Chennai Super Kings legend and former captain MS Dhoni will miss the opening games of IPL 2026 after suffering a calf strain during training. The question on every fan’s mind is: when will the 44-year-old maestro return to the field?
Despite retiring from international cricket six years ago, Dhoni remains one of the most iconic figures in the IPL. Over 18 seasons, he has played 278 matches, scored 5,439 runs, and effected over 200 dismissals. Dhoni has led CSK to five IPL trophies (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023) and is the only player to have over 100 wins as captain in the league.
After handing over captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad in 2023, Dhoni has largely played as an Impact Player, finishing games with his trademark calm and explosive hitting. Fans flock to stadiums to witness what could be one of his final IPL seasons, making CSK games some of the fastest-selling tickets in the league.
The latest update suggests Dhoni is unlikely to return before the last week of April, meaning he will miss a significant chunk of IPL 2026. This is the first time in his illustrious career that the Jharkhand veteran will be absent for multiple matches in a season, raising questions about the future of India’s iconic wicketkeeper-batsman. Only time will tell if this is a temporary setback or a signal for retirement.
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