MS Dhoni Will be missed Chennai Super Kings‘ IPL 2026 opener against (CSK). Rajasthan Royals (RR) In Guwahati on Monday, the wicketkeeper marks a rare absence for the batsman who has been a constant presence for the team over the years.Dhoni has long been central to CSK as captain, finisher and wicketkeeper, but this match at the Baraspara Cricket Stadium will go ahead without him. His absence draws attention to the last time he missed a game and the number of times he has been unavailable since the IPL began in 2008.The last time Dhoni did not feature in the IPL was in the 2019 season in a CSK match. He missed the April 26 match against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, with Suresh Raina leading the side, due to fever. He also sat out a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad earlier this season on 17 April due to a back problem.In his entire IPL career, Dhoni has only missed five matches. Monday’s match will be only the sixth time Dhoni has missed an IPL match for CSK. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have played a total of 253 matches in the Indian Premier League (covering 2008–2025). Three of them came in the 2010 season — against Delhi Daredevils in Delhi, Kings XI Punjab in Chennai, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Bengaluru.Dhoni’s five earlier misses were rare and spread over nearly a decade:2010 season (three matches):
- vs Delhi Daredevils (Delhi)
- vs Kings XI Punjab (Chennai)
- vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Bangalore)
2019 season (two matches):
- vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Hyderabad, April 17) – Back injury.
- vs Mumbai Indians (Chennai, April 26) – Fever.
Since 2020, Dhoni has played every match he has been available for, including leading CSK to titles in 2021 and 2023. He also appeared in all 14 matches during the 2025 season. The only difference in his participation in the IPL came during the 2016 and 2017 seasons when CSK were suspended and he played for Rising Pune Supergiant.The 44-year-old is currently dealing with a calf injury and is expected to be out until at least mid-April, although a return is possible at the end of the month.With 278 appearances, Dhoni is the most capped player in IPL history, and has led a team in 235 matches, the most by any captain. His absence has left a young CSK team without its most experienced player.
