MS Dhoni won’t be playing for Chennai Super Kings until at least the end of April, if the latest reports are right. Just yesterday, CSK announced their former captain would miss the first two games this season because he’s rehabbing a calf strain. The Times of India says Dhoni’s set to miss as many as six matches—his status for the big showdown with Mumbai Indians on April 14 is still up in the air.
A CSK official pretty much summed it up: “It’s definitely a big blow for us and we’ll have to deal with it.” Dhoni didn’t make the trip with the squad to Guwahati for the opener against Rajasthan Royals on Monday. They want him back—“He’s taking rest and we want him back as soon as possible,” the official said.
Dhoni’s been sticking around in the IPL since he quit international cricket back in 2020. Every season, his future becomes a hot topic. He only plays in the IPL now, so staying match-fit isn’t easy when you’re 44, and recurring knee issues haven’t helped—he had surgery last year. Even with Ruturaj Gaikwad listed as captain, everyone knows Dhoni’s still the heart and soul of the franchise, and he’s been with CSK since 2008, except for that suspension blip.
Last season, he played 14 games, batting down the order to give the innings a quick finish. With Dhoni sidelined, Sanju Samson looks set to take over wicketkeeping duties for CSK. Samson actually joined CSK from Rajasthan Royals before this year’s auction.
