\u201cMS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of TATA\u00a0IPL 2026,\u201d the official statement read.<\/p>\n
CSK, already without top-order batter Matt Short, out for a few games with a fractured thumb, and pacer Nathan Ellis, who has picked up a hamstring injury, will now have to deal with the temporary absence of the most successful captain in the league.<\/p>\n
While that creates a significant tactical void, CSK may just be better prepared this time with Sanju Samson, who was traded in from Rajasthan Royals ahead of the season for the duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.<\/p>\n
With skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad having confirmed that he will be opening the batting alongside Samson, the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter is all but confirmed to don the gloves behind the sticks.<\/p>\n
Dhoni\u2019s absence may also open up avenues for Kartik Sharma, a 19-year-old serial six-hitter, finisher and \u2018keeper from Rajasthan, who was bought for over \u20b914 crore in the auction.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s how the team may line up in Dhoni\u2019s absence until mid-April:<\/h4>\n\n\nPREDICTED XI AND IMPACT PLAYER
\n<\/h5>\n
Ruturaj Gaikwad (c)<\/p>\n
Sanju Samson (wk)<\/p>\n
Ayush Mhatre<\/p>\n
Dewald Brevis<\/p>\n
Kartik Sharma<\/p>\n
Shivam Dube<\/p>\n
Prashant Veer<\/p>\n
Akeal Hosein<\/p>\n
Noor Ahmad<\/p>\n
Matt Henry<\/p>\n
Khaleel Ahmed<\/p>\n
\nImpact Player: Anshul Kamboj\/Urvil Patel\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Published on Mar 28, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nPREDICTED XI AND IMPACT PLAYER
\n<\/h5>\n
Ruturaj Gaikwad (c)<\/p>\n
Sanju Samson (wk)<\/p>\n
Ayush Mhatre<\/p>\n
Dewald Brevis<\/p>\n
Kartik Sharma<\/p>\n
Shivam Dube<\/p>\n
Prashant Veer<\/p>\n
Akeal Hosein<\/p>\n
Noor Ahmad<\/p>\n
Matt Henry<\/p>\n
Khaleel Ahmed<\/p>\n
\nImpact Player: Anshul Kamboj\/Urvil Patel\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Published on Mar 28, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n