MS Dhoni will miss Chennai Super Kings (CSK) IPL 2026 opener against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Monday in Guwahati, marking a rare absence for the wicket-keeper batsman who has been a constant presence for the team over the years.Dhoni has long been pivotal to the CSK side as a captain, run-getter and wicket-taker, but this match at the Paraspara Cricket Stadium will continue without him. His absence highlights the last time he missed a match and the number of times he has been unavailable since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008.The last time Dhoni did not feature in a CSK match in the IPL was during the 2019 season. He missed the April 26 match against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium due to fever, with Suresh Raina captaining the side.
He also missed a match earlier that season against Sunrisers Hyderabad on 17 April due to a back spasm.Throughout his IPL career, Dhoni missed just five matches. Monday’s match will be the sixth time that Dhoni has missed an IPL match for CSK. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have played 253 matches in the Indian Premier League (running from 2008 to 2025). Three of these came in the 2010 season – against Delhi Daredevils in Delhi, Kings XI Punjab in Chennai, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Bengaluru.
Dhoni’s previous five failures were very scattered and spread over nearly a decade:2010 season (three matches):
- vs Delhi Daredevils (Delhi)
- vs Kings XI Punjab (Chennai)
- vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Bengaluru)
2019 season (two matches):
- vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Hyderabad, April 17) – Back spasm.
- v Mumbai Indians (Chennai, April 26) – Fever.
Since 2020, Dhoni has played every match he has been available, including leading CSK to titles in 2021 and 2023. He also featured in all 14 matches during the 2025 season. The only gap in his IPL participation came during the 2016 and 2017 seasons when CSK was suspended and he played for Rising Pune Supergiant.
reconnaissance
In your opinion, what strategy should CSK follow to compensate for Dhoni’s absence?
The 44-year-old is currently suffering from a calf injury and is expected to be unavailable until at least mid-April, although a return later in the month is still possible.With 278 appearances, Dhoni is the most capped player in the history of the Indian Premier League, and has captained the team in 235 matches, the most of any captain. His absence leaves the younger CSK side without one of their most experienced players.
