Chennai Super Kings have suffered a major setback after their talismanic player. MS Dhoni A calf strain ruled out the first two weeks of IPL 2026.“MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026,” the franchise said in a statement.
Soon after Dhoni’s exit, former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, who has represented CSK in the past as well, picked his strongest playing XI with impact player options for the five-time champions.Ashwin was selected. Sanju Samson Also named him as a wicketkeeper-batsman and as an opener alongside captain Rutoraj Gaikwad.The former CSK player slotted three attacking batsmen in the forward positions – Arul Patel at No. 3, Devald Brews at No. 4, followed by India’s T20 World Cup 2026 all-rounder Shiv Dubey at No. 5.Ashwin provided two options for No. 6 – Sarfraz Khan as his first choice, with India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning captain Ayush Mahatre as a replacement. He ignored Prashant Vir and picked Karthik Sharma for No.7.In the bowling department, Ashwin selected Akil Hussain and Noor Ahmed as the main spinners, with Hussain also providing batting depth at No.8.For Pace Attack he went with Matt Henry and Khalil Ahmed. Ashwin also listed four impact player options – Anshul Kamboj, Shreyas Gopal, Ramakrishna Ghosh, and Rahul Chahar.Ashwin’s CSK Playing XI:Sanju Samson (wk), Rituraj Gaekwad (c), Arul Patel, Devald Brews, Shivum Dubey, Sarfraz Khan/Ayush Mahatre, Karthik Sharma, Akil Hussain, Noor Ahmed, Matt Henry, Khalil AhmedImpact Player: Anshul Kamboj / Shreyas Gopal / Ramakrishna Ghosh / Rahul ChaharCSK will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 at the Baraspara Stadium in Guwahati.The 19th edition of the tournament is set to begin on Saturday, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
