For the first time in IPL history, CSK to play without Dhoni and Raina

MS Dhoni volition miss Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2026 opener against Rajasthan Royals connected Monday successful Guwahati, marking the archetypal clip successful their past that some Dhoni and Raina, 2 of the franchise's biggest superstars, volition diagnostic successful a gameRaina has retired from nonrecreational cricket, portion Dhoni is acceptable to miss the opening signifier of the tourney owed to injury.

In a statement, the franchise said, "Official Statement.

MS Dhoni is presently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, helium is apt to miss the archetypal 2 weeks of the IPL 2026. Get good soon, Thala!"This lucifer volition beryllium the archetypal among 277 T20 games, including 24 successful the CLT20, wherever CSK volition not person either Dhoni oregon Raina successful the playing XI. The squad has antecedently played 77 matches without Raina and 5 without Dhoni, but ne'er without both.Also read: Only 5 successful 253! Matches MS Dhoni has missed for CSK successful IPLThe existent play besides reflects a displacement successful approach, with the franchise investing much successful younger players. Dhoni’s lack is owed to a calf strain, and helium is expected to beryllium unavailable astatine slightest until mid-April, though a instrumentality aboriginal successful the period remains possible.The past clip Dhoni missed an IPL lucifer was successful 2019, erstwhile helium sat retired against Mumbai Indians connected April 26 successful Chennai owed to fever, with Raina starring the side. He besides missed a lucifer earlier that play against Sunrisers Hyderabad connected April 17 due to the fact that of a backmost spasm.

In total, Dhoni has missed lone 5 IPL matches since 2008. Three of those came successful the 2010 play — against Delhi Daredevils successful Delhi, Kings XI Punjab successful Chennai, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru successful Bengaluru.From 2020 to 2025, Dhoni played each CSK match. This included starring the squad to IPL titles successful 2021 and 2023. He besides featured successful each 14 matches successful the 2025 season. During the 2016 and 2017 seasons, erstwhile CSK were suspended, helium represented Rising Pune Supergiant.With 278 appearances, Dhoni is the most-capped subordinate successful IPL past and has led a broadside successful 235 matches, besides a record. His lack leaves a younger CSK broadside without 1 of its astir experienced players.