Why MS Dhoni is Not Playing Today During RR vs CSK Match in IPL 2026?

Rajasthan Royals (RR) are facing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on March 30, in Guwahati. This will be their first game of the season and will have high hopes from the players as well.

However, CSK have been through back-to-back setbacks ahead of the tournament. Former skipper MS Dhoni will not participate in the match against RR and that's a massive blow for the Super Kings. The keeper-batter has been with the squad from the inception and has rarely missed a game.

Why MS Dhoni Is Not Playing Today Against RR in IPL 2026?

MS Dhoni, one of the best players in IPL is not playing CSK's opening IPL 2026 match against the Royals. The franchise had announced a few days back that Dhoni has sustained a calf injury and is going through a rehab. He is set to miss the first two weeks of the tournament, which will include 4-5 matches in the IPL 2026. As MS Dhoni replacement, CSK have given the wicketkeeping gloves to Sanju Samson.

On winning the toss, RR captain Riyan Parag invited CSK to bat first. However, Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK's captain, mentioned that they would have bowled first as well. With Dhoni unavailable, it will be interesting to see who comes out as a finisher for the Super Kings. Dhoni is the best finisher in IPL and replacing him won't be easy even though he is far away from his prime.

With no Dhoni in the playing 11, CSK had a tough time on the field against Rajasthan Royals. At the time of writing, they were 94-9 in 16 overs with the RR bowlers right on top. The Super Kings are just ahead of the Royals in the CSK vs RR H2H record but it seems like it will be equal after the ongoing match.

Will MS Dhoni Retire After IPL 2026?

MS Dhoni's absence in the RR vs CSK IPL 2026 match has raised the fans wonder whether this will be his last season. The franchise owners, as well as Dhoni, have not yet answered to this question yet. While the fans have always wanted the star batter to continue, his recent set of injuries doesn't bode well for his future IPL career.

The 44-year-old batter has played for 18 years in the tournament and is one of the only four players to have played all the seasons. It will be an emotional moment for his fans if he decides to quit his cricket career after IPL 2026.